tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17374398668876271662024-03-13T10:03:31.218-05:00Thoughts on Mlb stadiums and......various other thoughts on sports, politics and whatever else is new in my life.Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.comBlogger419125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-86620601360134728042023-12-31T15:28:00.017-06:002024-01-10T18:27:49.119-06:0052 Things I Enjoyed About 2023<p>Below is my annual list (started back in 2020) of 52 things I enjoyed about the year. This isn't a ranking or comprehensive (despite the 3k+ words) but rather just a snapshot in time of things that were great about the previous 365 days. For previous years feel free to look back at <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2020/12/52-things-i-enjoyed-about-2020.html">2020</a>, <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2021/12/52-things-i-enjoyed-about-2021.html">2021</a> or <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2022/12/52-things-i-enjoyed-about-2022.html">2022</a>. Anyway, here are the top things I enjoyed about the year:</p><p><b><u>Trips</u></b></p><p>1) <b>Utah / Arizona for Spring Break</b> - my absolute favorite thing about the year was a week spent driving from Salt Lake City through three national parks and ending in Phoenix. Everything worked so perfectly and it truly was one of the best trips of my life. There are almost too many things to list from this trip, but the best thing was the 3 mile hike to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW3i6pzNJfM4nAU93DakQvIkyHkwoPIUymX6TsRT62z12n4XX_k-aHUw_F1nDtnvjmmGQp6Jxwg5K2ze7wrtuXAyMCIUy5lWZV_1Lv4vrpvzy5mhAMfM7Lxf-ekBvNu7INOraatfYxnXZc7QxClKzmM264qW-MAyiqZzgPnJDQn3I3qzomV7Mj-pBcO5U/s4032/IMG_3624.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW3i6pzNJfM4nAU93DakQvIkyHkwoPIUymX6TsRT62z12n4XX_k-aHUw_F1nDtnvjmmGQp6Jxwg5K2ze7wrtuXAyMCIUy5lWZV_1Lv4vrpvzy5mhAMfM7Lxf-ekBvNu7INOraatfYxnXZc7QxClKzmM264qW-MAyiqZzgPnJDQn3I3qzomV7Mj-pBcO5U/s320/IMG_3624.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>2) <b>Malphurs Family Trip to North Carolina</b> - we had a great time in probably the best house we've ever had for a larger Malphurs family trip. It was great spending time with everyone's company and enjoying hikes, tubing and plenty of movies / video games. We had one meal that was so excellent that we ended up going back again. (You know a meal is good when you decide to do that on a trip.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXiKo3PXmtQJDn-Pftjd_H2QvxgKNT9Bmk4eqgP_Q_aTMxQJvDpFkA8U4EDnT9Yuntye_pkgy1MjomdH3Wya8ai16cQSc_upsC9Cn08l93AYnvEoM9hi9avzApytuZsDC8Ari4wnylV_Mo3PTuXmyVMM3rCcWZJs6U55Ze0FRGGzYo6Vj5bmJWqmueoJn/s8880/IMG_0485.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3892" data-original-width="8880" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXiKo3PXmtQJDn-Pftjd_H2QvxgKNT9Bmk4eqgP_Q_aTMxQJvDpFkA8U4EDnT9Yuntye_pkgy1MjomdH3Wya8ai16cQSc_upsC9Cn08l93AYnvEoM9hi9avzApytuZsDC8Ari4wnylV_Mo3PTuXmyVMM3rCcWZJs6U55Ze0FRGGzYo6Vj5bmJWqmueoJn/w507-h222/IMG_0485.jpeg" width="507" /></a></div><p>3) <b>Georgia Guys Trip </b>- This year a group of 3 of us went to Northern Georgia for some hikes and the <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/401520382">UGA vs Ole Miss Game.</a> It was fun seeing a new stadium and a huge game...even if the game was a blowout.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppNciLp0wigOUKueR-XBh8fI51wO8_mgG6iC7zCmbV6IzUwolskUBfbi0fmovjzYwaKlLNPAjkG6GuIVEN7gtmMCz2NADaba1HqAfmQQwNwEJ6_BB1mgfgEEwlwiNLbxBctV6Ya1JLzfF7tYzyU8oZbZEp2d33m59lhCGe4tKm7r69x5Y_J25O6FxrgM-/s3161/IMG_3717.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3161" data-original-width="2015" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppNciLp0wigOUKueR-XBh8fI51wO8_mgG6iC7zCmbV6IzUwolskUBfbi0fmovjzYwaKlLNPAjkG6GuIVEN7gtmMCz2NADaba1HqAfmQQwNwEJ6_BB1mgfgEEwlwiNLbxBctV6Ya1JLzfF7tYzyU8oZbZEp2d33m59lhCGe4tKm7r69x5Y_J25O6FxrgM-/w256-h402/IMG_3717.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><p>4) <b>Cuyahoga National Park</b> - After traveling out west to Utah / Arizona, it seemed strange that we hadn't been to the one National Park here in Ohio. We had a nice hike there (with Rio) and while it wasn't as impressive as Arches / Canyonlands / Grand Canyon....it was still a very fun day. </p><p>5) <b>Planning Yosemite Trip</b> - For 2024 our big trip is going out West again and seeing Lake Tahoe, Yosemite & Los Angeles. The thing I am most excited was working with the park lodging and getting a room at the lodge in Yosemite! This is rare considering the popularity of Yosemite, so I am hopeful that we enjoy the convenience of being right there for 3 full days. </p><p><b><u>Family</u></b></p><p>6) <b>Coaching Team Melon</b> - This is a repeat from the last two years, but it's super fun coaching J's soccer team. Our fall season was much tougher than our spring season - we lost a few of great players and the competition was tougher - but still it's nice getting out there with my youngest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmS1zv8KbCkIwKMcBldtNbTt_Z3J65yMHTY_fUhhBFBXNiuN5rtNbHd9chd2cvUjEvCU8Q3rMUE6B7U97kFFiltUFL-crVUTBi8OmxNHHYbfULQH90ekXhCxqT_1syfQAsaEAhgJsafC6nns3pnkl4p8looPoULdO6OF-d1iXf7hIeMBnjyB0zNUDTyOp/s4032/IMG_5460.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmS1zv8KbCkIwKMcBldtNbTt_Z3J65yMHTY_fUhhBFBXNiuN5rtNbHd9chd2cvUjEvCU8Q3rMUE6B7U97kFFiltUFL-crVUTBi8OmxNHHYbfULQH90ekXhCxqT_1syfQAsaEAhgJsafC6nns3pnkl4p8looPoULdO6OF-d1iXf7hIeMBnjyB0zNUDTyOp/s320/IMG_5460.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>7) <b>Tyler / Katie's Wedding</b> - M and I had the pleasure of attending a beautiful wedding of one of my old coworkers from Victoria's Secret. Weddings are way less common at our age, so it was extra fun to have an excuse to dress up and celebrate such a big occasion. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVJjTjUGb2YgMIf3Oh9XOncFW0QrH9Maapjdk4YRQH4LOH1m59KI856GRPlkJAfeq8UXtIc5banep4IlRGtjGmaLgUQOZINb8xl_9Ih75lmtAEnGg-KN0oga_FrB5x9myEvuc7KZDS2mwOMcnxQ7VHMas_C1K60afW7lEbNCsfUFRWixQIDAxjytiKSSi/s3088/IMG_1205.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVJjTjUGb2YgMIf3Oh9XOncFW0QrH9Maapjdk4YRQH4LOH1m59KI856GRPlkJAfeq8UXtIc5banep4IlRGtjGmaLgUQOZINb8xl_9Ih75lmtAEnGg-KN0oga_FrB5x9myEvuc7KZDS2mwOMcnxQ7VHMas_C1K60afW7lEbNCsfUFRWixQIDAxjytiKSSi/s320/IMG_1205.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>8) <b>40th birthday at Arch City Tavern</b> - For my 40th birthday we planned a fun night at Arch City Tavern where we paid for drinks / food and enjoyed the company of ~30 of my friends. My best friend even flew in from Mississippi for the night.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYBxfd8zv3uKlp1hQAx2FjzWPwfpMXauNj0hVr6J6MSR95MssIg_ySD6-pI8wBgIam8PWPMuGbJVUPVMHv8-qbB9JbWV-ANTfLt2Sb3Bvk_wWL8JBImmSAQ77hWE8pEPhyphenhyphenWbzp9m_GtOx66TjssbmIOKsw03bwECoFcGnTrBM8-JlD-eOylGroYBhRqI2/s4032/IMG_3407.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYBxfd8zv3uKlp1hQAx2FjzWPwfpMXauNj0hVr6J6MSR95MssIg_ySD6-pI8wBgIam8PWPMuGbJVUPVMHv8-qbB9JbWV-ANTfLt2Sb3Bvk_wWL8JBImmSAQ77hWE8pEPhyphenhyphenWbzp9m_GtOx66TjssbmIOKsw03bwECoFcGnTrBM8-JlD-eOylGroYBhRqI2/s320/IMG_3407.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>9) <b>Last Christmas in 5605 Warwick Dr </b>- After 50 years my parents made the hard decision to move from my childhood home in Jackson, Mississippi to a retirement home 10 minutes north in Madison. As a family we tried to soak in all the final memories of the only place my kids have known for Christmas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX9OtCkjLztS10-vj9FYXjYNyVdaCQW3gE6mIml001zWF3e2c7eg-2E5Ron8aGho-YBJOF8RVQJe-WjeyIe7uWYX_oeWjIwq_QTgrJTvdmDtnkP_zwHJefxbZi5qO-NeolPCSqfeGUfkj4otiCyOXkSlB3oB4E4vdORGqja-4MZhn1-DNEhIVCHlFYRGn/s4032/IMG_2336.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHX9OtCkjLztS10-vj9FYXjYNyVdaCQW3gE6mIml001zWF3e2c7eg-2E5Ron8aGho-YBJOF8RVQJe-WjeyIe7uWYX_oeWjIwq_QTgrJTvdmDtnkP_zwHJefxbZi5qO-NeolPCSqfeGUfkj4otiCyOXkSlB3oB4E4vdORGqja-4MZhn1-DNEhIVCHlFYRGn/s320/IMG_2336.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>10) <b>Date Night with L & J </b>- My kids enjoyed planning a "date night" where L and I dressed up and went to go an Asian restaurant (Lemongrass) and then a fancy dessert right across the street at The Guild House. J and I went to an Italian restaurant (more to come below). Both nights were outstanding! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjSlu3ZbtPssAi8GDwWDXD51OMHdg5CDcT9_dx1eHgkZmoaPlDEtGESEWu3P4UCNjr8bG72vlCr3gFTa9aEU5wlmHQjzqzTTXcrroVEPXEpwN55xrB1Ocibl5bG7rKHsvW6l7XzFVlP_FxhA29EfQAYPpBRbUGFmXcfYV2hbItEKWaNCPYZk110bNiPKs/s4032/IMG_7922.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjSlu3ZbtPssAi8GDwWDXD51OMHdg5CDcT9_dx1eHgkZmoaPlDEtGESEWu3P4UCNjr8bG72vlCr3gFTa9aEU5wlmHQjzqzTTXcrroVEPXEpwN55xrB1Ocibl5bG7rKHsvW6l7XzFVlP_FxhA29EfQAYPpBRbUGFmXcfYV2hbItEKWaNCPYZk110bNiPKs/s320/IMG_7922.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>11) <b>M Got Promoted! </b>It's very easy to be proud of the work ethic and intelligence of my wonderful wife. She made the decisions last year to leave her previous company and has done so well at her new company that she got a big promotion this year. It's awesome to see her doing so well...and not just because we have a joint checking account.</div><div><br /></div><div>12) <b>Brother-In-Law Got Promoted to Head of Middle School!</b> In the spirit of another promotion, it was awesome to see my Brother-In-Law get the Head of Middle School role at my old school (St. Andrew's). It's fun to see his career success and even better that it's at a school that has played such a major role in his life (he also attended SA), my sister's life (ditto), my life and my nephews (current students at SA). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9HXOCIEceZrvCGpQ10r55NESJVXmsf4ZzBzkX801vdAFNvo9Sxmjac2-MglhbiPNHWYgYsGsRPPBwBKskpQZYD3J85C-z33D04r85OAP51I06oBNWTOjFsjwefM8d1bnSw_lG0APo0MQ8yKJxKuLhE8zn7mox1ggVAL4xHPqeGuYQC6E17diKS4wkLTc/s1792/IMG_2586.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9HXOCIEceZrvCGpQ10r55NESJVXmsf4ZzBzkX801vdAFNvo9Sxmjac2-MglhbiPNHWYgYsGsRPPBwBKskpQZYD3J85C-z33D04r85OAP51I06oBNWTOjFsjwefM8d1bnSw_lG0APo0MQ8yKJxKuLhE8zn7mox1ggVAL4xHPqeGuYQC6E17diKS4wkLTc/s320/IMG_2586.png" width="148" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>13) <b>Hocking Hills (thanks to Heidi)</b> - M and I had planned a night away at Hocking Hills and unfortunately our babysitting option fell through a few weeks before. Thankfully we have amazing neighbors and one of our closest ones stepped up and said she would love to watch L & J. They all seemed to have such a good time that even when came back the next day the kids wanted to stay at Heidi's house for a little bit longer. </div><div><br /></div><div>14) <b>My parents getting set up at St. Catherine's Village </b>- There are some big disadvantages to getting older, but in my limited experience it is better to address that head on. This was a big and difficult decision (I wrote briefly about this in point 7), but overall I think it is the right one and should give everyone in our family peace of mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAagqE7-RfGFpcTdVDDSd_FUlq-_nLeOqWw-9s9mjvNOmlduIPMCwMlRScRC1nXnYzU5iu26D8IhztwfRVkCQHa9JYUwDkNZ8b978psT2Lnz12ZQ_MM3F0FuNJ_dtsKQCW10kUIrckHOK9XO6e8mtV65u1TrFswkQmEWFxIpq5P4DI8rEc_JYxmMooFt6/s4032/IMG_2379.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAagqE7-RfGFpcTdVDDSd_FUlq-_nLeOqWw-9s9mjvNOmlduIPMCwMlRScRC1nXnYzU5iu26D8IhztwfRVkCQHa9JYUwDkNZ8b978psT2Lnz12ZQ_MM3F0FuNJ_dtsKQCW10kUIrckHOK9XO6e8mtV65u1TrFswkQmEWFxIpq5P4DI8rEc_JYxmMooFt6/s320/IMG_2379.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>15) <b>Kids cooking</b> - The kids have continued to improve their cooking and it's fun to see and try the treats that they create. </div><div><br /></div><div>16) <b>Surprising my nephew in the Atlanta airport</b> - My nephew was traveling to Europe through his school at the same time I was traveling back from work in Atlanta. That gave me a chance to find his flight and sneak up and surprise him. As an added bonus it was nice talking to him and some of his classmates before such a big trip. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5XU-v_PVJWlJly1mpqqCYsDvYIlDWKvjg9JmSc4Az-AJAplGxG9BvNUM6PW0trDjNKW95CRgwY2bIvIGmbtiu0dWCeGOIhtDs7wh9ef286QTomb_dZHvkr85f7oexe1guHUT3ybq_ZniseV5Jh1rzf2PPKzqDEyBZldbFCIi3GG-kkbvELQ6MD5i9ruj/s4032/IMG_0654.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5XU-v_PVJWlJly1mpqqCYsDvYIlDWKvjg9JmSc4Az-AJAplGxG9BvNUM6PW0trDjNKW95CRgwY2bIvIGmbtiu0dWCeGOIhtDs7wh9ef286QTomb_dZHvkr85f7oexe1guHUT3ybq_ZniseV5Jh1rzf2PPKzqDEyBZldbFCIi3GG-kkbvELQ6MD5i9ruj/s320/IMG_0654.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>17) <b>Overnight camp! </b>Our kids spent their first 48 hours without either parent as they went on their first overnight camp. They loved it and it looks like these type of camps are likely in the future. </div><div><p><b><u>Sports</u></b></p><p>18)<b> K Academy </b>- I wrote about this earlier this year, but K Academy is 2 for 2 in being absolutely spectacular. My team wasn't nearly as good as back in 2019, but it was a great group of guys that ended on a high note with an upset win. Also, the best thing about my "sophomore year" was that M, L & J came and saw in person! I absolutely loved having them there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdT1fycsooTPkIJA2Tl0ga2t04DNmTvbZfdhbd-lcIuR_KO7D-t6pqxDGzu1Io0MXC1rUcd5_RH7g1NaIDZ0I24k2yBFyAamZVBzGKBl4XZK3dknPzd-prxibVjD26Q3JiEVutre0M8EQn7PyL-Mk-7mDCJRXsWWTsaI3Q05ikacEXOqvz-rrZgtJqfrX/s3462/IMG_9933.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3462" data-original-width="2168" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgdT1fycsooTPkIJA2Tl0ga2t04DNmTvbZfdhbd-lcIuR_KO7D-t6pqxDGzu1Io0MXC1rUcd5_RH7g1NaIDZ0I24k2yBFyAamZVBzGKBl4XZK3dknPzd-prxibVjD26Q3JiEVutre0M8EQn7PyL-Mk-7mDCJRXsWWTsaI3Q05ikacEXOqvz-rrZgtJqfrX/s320/IMG_9933.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>19) <b>Duke Over UNC - Twice</b> - After the disappointing end to the 2022 season (losing at Cameron and then in the Final Four) it was cathartic to see Duke win two very close games against UNC. <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401488473/tar-heels-blue-devils">The first game</a> was a back and forth game at Cameron where Derrick Lively dominated (while barely scoring) and Jeremy Roach scored the key basket at the end. <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/recap/_/gameId/401488526">The second game</a> was at the Dean Dome and happened to take place on my 40th birthday. Duke gave me the best present with another close win thanks again to another key late game basket by Jeremy Roach. </p><p>20) <b>Duke wins the ACC Title</b> - Last year's Duke team started off pretty slow and I had some concerns replacing a legend (Coach K) and a bunch of great players (Paolo, Mark Williams, Wendell Moore Jr). The low point was the week after the first win against UNC when they lost 81-59 to Miami (FL). They followed up that with a great game at UVA that was more frustrating because it should have been a win (that overturned foul call at the end against Flip will always been confusing) that took them to only 8-6 in the ACC. It was crazy to see that average ACC team then win 6 consecutive regular season games before winning 3 straight in ACC tournament to win the ACC title. The year was already a success going 2-0 against UNC, but to to win the ACC title (especially with expectations being low) was especially amazing. </p><p>21)<b> Dolphins offense - </b>Through the first 16 games (which really should still be the length of the NFL season) the Dolphins have scored the most points per game in the NFL at 30.1. This includes scoring 70 points against the Broncos in one of the most enjoyable games you can ever watch. It's been so much fun watching Tua, Hill & Mostert over the course of the season. I'm hopeful that this is the year they can finally break the 23 year streak of not winning a playoff game</p><p>22) <b> Dolphins defense / fantasy</b> - the actual Dolphins defense has been mostly good this year, but for 5 games (weeks 11-15) they were absolutely amazing. I knew they had an easy schedule and picked up the Dolphins defense in fantasy, which meant I was doubly excited to see the Dolphins mostly dominate (4-1) against the stretch of terrible teams (Raiders, Commanders, Titans and Jets twice). That streak allowed me to make the semifinals in both fantasy leagues. Unfortunately the luck for the Dolphins and my fantasy ran out at the same time over the past few weeks. Still there isn't much better than when your real life favorite team and you fantasy football team both are doing well.</p><p>23) <b>MAC Champion Miami Redhawks Football Team</b> - Miami had one of the best years ever this year with rivalry wins against Cincinnati (for the first time since I was in college) and Ohio University and finishing the year with an upset win against Toledo for the MAC title. I was able to convince L, J and other family members to drive up to Detroit. It was awesome being in person to see a team that won because of defense and special teams. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZPpslkYF4VCjtrfLEefcrlb1gSZ4W2z2wSPBSwZtUD75dtcSPql9SmUfDXDTTujRFtpvytLFEAWf3Prh2Osc_H8XptXabCgQjUxQbRDrJIfYQ2T8B6CTzKXZ50l2zaHJDexJKCGCrH-7QfxiMZdMJF8DfLGAp-NkFXUwOPCHWQwJxFNFdSbtY_i6YZQq/s4032/IMG_2088.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZPpslkYF4VCjtrfLEefcrlb1gSZ4W2z2wSPBSwZtUD75dtcSPql9SmUfDXDTTujRFtpvytLFEAWf3Prh2Osc_H8XptXabCgQjUxQbRDrJIfYQ2T8B6CTzKXZ50l2zaHJDexJKCGCrH-7QfxiMZdMJF8DfLGAp-NkFXUwOPCHWQwJxFNFdSbtY_i6YZQq/s320/IMG_2088.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>24) <b>Twins won a playoff game</b> - I've been a Minnesota Twins fan since I moved there and started following their 2006 team. They were consistently a good team that made the playoffs and then somehow found a way to lose every playoff game. They were swept in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2020 and lost a one game playoff in 2017. Add up up all together and the Twins lost 15 straight playoff games when I was a fan. (They had lost 3 straight before I was a fan in 2004, so overall the Twins lost 18 straight playoff games). Their futility and bad luck was unmatched. This year they made the playoffs and actually won 3 games. Pablo Lopez pitched two great games and Royce Lewis hit 2 home runs in his first two postseason at-bats. Overall it was exciting watching a young / fun team break a curse that had lasted way too long.</p><p>25) <b>Western & Southern Open</b> - I've never been to a professional tennis tournament and one of the better ones (right under the Grand Slam tournaments) is only 1.5 hours away from Columbus. My buddy took me as a nice 40th birthday gift. We had a great time watching amazing tennis and even were able to get down to court level to see one of the matches. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_H10VJT5eQ_uadCL4GBIMTj5TvyUPoBkuQlowfdN_D991tXhFQ3hab5jpvEVIR3NjhV21Nus63rTQGHnfYqrBwikBPkV43PkhT39p0J-C9FcRMxHxSbuUf9XvguSgvUHPDlE6RLQyYfKYnZmIL3mRwCjW3xkcYBy7hpzcRM24Ceo6ZyI1XgKcnMs3vS6/s4032/IMG_0977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_H10VJT5eQ_uadCL4GBIMTj5TvyUPoBkuQlowfdN_D991tXhFQ3hab5jpvEVIR3NjhV21Nus63rTQGHnfYqrBwikBPkV43PkhT39p0J-C9FcRMxHxSbuUf9XvguSgvUHPDlE6RLQyYfKYnZmIL3mRwCjW3xkcYBy7hpzcRM24Ceo6ZyI1XgKcnMs3vS6/s320/IMG_0977.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>26) <b>Rushing the Court at Hinkle Fieldhouse</b> - One of my close friends is a big basketball fan and had always wanted to go to Hinkle Fieldhouse to see Buster play. We found a good matchup between<a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401485257/musketeers-bulldogs"> Xavier-Butler</a> and were lucky enough to see both an upset home win and the home crowd rush the court. Below is a picture, but it was an awesome sports moment. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabhO7FnRxeSJIjiGBhtuIPo6XecC2aHARcQIjsgwGs_QLMliTSqdk0uxFe8Uj9XL3dWI4WQl1oCV7_vl3rOIOxU7Xu64IWuC0jb_Y4tlfZtB6ofMIRbouw6kc6Yu2_OWxfd9fvBRnD4TYJQOydzrrJt07QNnotMuOdrr_V94nM6IIF09sGJZJ3cpHAg4J/s1024/imagejpeg_0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabhO7FnRxeSJIjiGBhtuIPo6XecC2aHARcQIjsgwGs_QLMliTSqdk0uxFe8Uj9XL3dWI4WQl1oCV7_vl3rOIOxU7Xu64IWuC0jb_Y4tlfZtB6ofMIRbouw6kc6Yu2_OWxfd9fvBRnD4TYJQOydzrrJt07QNnotMuOdrr_V94nM6IIF09sGJZJ3cpHAg4J/s320/imagejpeg_0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>27) <b>4-0 at Blue Jackets games</b> - The Blue Jackets are not a good hockey team (13 wins / 19 losses / 9 ties), but somehow the Jackets are 4-0 in games I've attended during this season. They beat Calgary 3-1 (10/20), Boston 5-2 (11/27), Ottawa 4-2 (12/1) and St. Louis 5-2 (12/8). It's been an amazing and statistically unlikely run. </div><div><br /></div><div>28) <b><a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401469217">Jazz over Celtics</a></b> - I've been an Utah Jazz fan for 3 decades now and was able to attend my 2nd Jazz home game ever....and take M, L & J to their first home game. It was a back and forth game that came down to the end, but the Jazz pulled it out. I loved being there and was especially excited because L really seemed to be in to the game.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxtsMDwKoVKpyGI3K6TsQQ_2XZM3LwEBZAVSGDAhyphenhyphenOrzUzLsYcrprXX7SF8hExRn77F4ajgjGYhf2J06j683hP2CL9hjmzLTnAesRmkeEN4mwjjXtwHiy4bv4gPCYfY7QNooNhRaeHu8WwCIttvKnST8yCqGr-_KD-2Jkh6I5cnOeX89qT9XNVboApEnO/s4032/IMG_8499.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxtsMDwKoVKpyGI3K6TsQQ_2XZM3LwEBZAVSGDAhyphenhyphenOrzUzLsYcrprXX7SF8hExRn77F4ajgjGYhf2J06j683hP2CL9hjmzLTnAesRmkeEN4mwjjXtwHiy4bv4gPCYfY7QNooNhRaeHu8WwCIttvKnST8yCqGr-_KD-2Jkh6I5cnOeX89qT9XNVboApEnO/s320/IMG_8499.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>29) <b>Basketball at the JCC </b>- With K Academy in the rearview mirror I joined a basketball league at the local JCC 5 minutes away from my house. While age is still undefeated (I can't move like I used to) it is still great to go out there and play basketball. I don't think it will ever get old hitting a 3 pointer. </div><div><br /></div><div>30) <b>Two Ohio State football games</b> - One of the best things about living in Columbus is to have one of the country's largest schools right in our backyard. Ohio State offers a lot of great athletics, but the thing they are most known for is football. This year's team was another good team (though don't ask any OSU fan about them due to how the season ended) and I was able to take J to an early season game against Western Kentucky. This was so much fun and definitely one of the highlights of the year. <br /></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Fdy2xR-Cv6tmDBdntwkqqYPjJQMva604ClJIBboOSiyOqzO19JCXO16uMV4hRxILIt6eIVW_fYKfJFrA6d18tT4C_je8n6xZTiXkshSwfLtgRoWOQ7hjBLXU9omksvsICxY81AonGlZ554fSQvi4tLPgZzIFIiVWZGxIb2MUOfU2X0A_MSK97B_1Ux-M/s4032/IMG_1265.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Fdy2xR-Cv6tmDBdntwkqqYPjJQMva604ClJIBboOSiyOqzO19JCXO16uMV4hRxILIt6eIVW_fYKfJFrA6d18tT4C_je8n6xZTiXkshSwfLtgRoWOQ7hjBLXU9omksvsICxY81AonGlZ554fSQvi4tLPgZzIFIiVWZGxIb2MUOfU2X0A_MSK97B_1Ux-M/s320/IMG_1265.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>31) <b>Denver Nuggets win the title</b> - In order to make the NBA season more excited, I organized a 4 person bet where we would have a snake draft and pick every NBA team and the winner would be whoever picked the NBA champion. This had the exact impact I was hoping for and even better the team I picked with the 8th pick ended up winning it all! </p><p><b><u>Entertainment</u></b></p><p>32) <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/16/books/bonnie-garmus-lessons-chemistry-book.html">Lessons in Chemistry</a></b> - I'm not the first one to write about this book, but this was a great read with compelling characters and a great storyline. I highly recommend.</p><p>33) <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/27/style/maggie-smith-poet.html">You Could Make This Place Beautiful</a></b> - A Bexley neighbor wrote this book about going through her divorce. Parts of the book were overwhelming because I would literally be walking through scenes from the book while listening to the book.</p><p>34) <b><a href="https://medium.com/amateur-book-reviews/shoe-dog-by-phil-knight-book-review-e76210b71404">Shoe Dog</a></b> - Despite knowing about Nike and Phil Knight and this book coming recommended by a friend, I didn't have high hopes for Phil Knight's book about the start of Nike. I loved it! I went into worried that it would be a shallow read that featured a lot of off putting self-glorification moments. I was happy to be wrong. Knight showed humility and provided countless examples where he got a lucky break. It helped that the book focused almost entirely on Nike's early days and wasn't about how Nike was run after it became a huge company. </p><p>35) <b><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/books/review/the-man-who-broke-capitalism-david-gelles.html">The Man Who Broke Capitalism</a></b> - Not exactly a fun read, but an informative look at GE's Jack Welch. I never wanted to be a CEO and this book helped reinforce that point. </p><p>36) <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/West-by-West-audiobook/dp/B005X2KL1I/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1LL2UQVXWVDDN&keywords=West+by+West&qid=1704901633&sprefix=west+by+west%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-1">West By West</a></b> - Somewhat similar to Shoe Dog, I loved hearing stories from Jerry West's life. He really seemed like an open book with topics and the transparency made the book fascinating. </p><p>37) <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CityNerd">City Nerd </a></b>- Youtube algorithm isn't always great / helpful, but one thing that I got into this year was a YouTube channel from this guy named City Nerd. He is a data heavy guy who loves walkable communities, public transit and effective city planning. I love his content and enjoy watching it with my family.</p><p>38) <b>Kenny Chesney with L for her 10th birthday </b>- L has enjoyed listening to country music (mainly Kacey Musgraves) and for her birthday I took her out of school and drove up to Ft. Wayne, Indiana to see Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney. We only knew a little bit about Kelsea Ballerini, but after this concert she jumped up L's interest and is now someone she listens to on a regular basis. Overall this concert was just so much fun - the people were polite, our seats were great and both performers did an excellent job. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcyk2vW9YU613hcYY5FyGGshl3VNa6w5_Bmw5IBAGpOgb7rsDjs5oUkhXV2liS5aZD32171coytj-3-XtqK1jTHAw-WsFSGFdOidG20MYQ3Fn9Obuq-C932U1Tw9v_r-jlu5q17xsh1FQev-ftBTaKPqStt1z5bVQcHY60bBZaz7NvoAdslKlV4exGN7S/s4032/IMG_9412.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJcyk2vW9YU613hcYY5FyGGshl3VNa6w5_Bmw5IBAGpOgb7rsDjs5oUkhXV2liS5aZD32171coytj-3-XtqK1jTHAw-WsFSGFdOidG20MYQ3Fn9Obuq-C932U1Tw9v_r-jlu5q17xsh1FQev-ftBTaKPqStt1z5bVQcHY60bBZaz7NvoAdslKlV4exGN7S/s320/IMG_9412.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>39) <b>Old Dominion with M</b> - For a random Wednesday in December we were lucky enough to see Old Dominion play in downtown Columbus. They put on a great show and it was fun having a rare weeknight date night.</p><p>40) <b>The Wilds</b> - For J's birthday we got her a safari tour through the Columbus Zoo at their Wilds location 1.5 hours east of Columbus. This was specular! The open air bus takes you around to see tons of different animals. The ostrich (pictures below) was especially curious about us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUre1de0iCWrh_5oIvyDLxHV-9nQmXtLiPguEUEDrMmCVbkoc2T4Yb-3bwSvzrbijVRWg0qxCojSCDwX0pljBiwuK2dxSRAUpL-UaFdf7TDmGXj4BB6jFfBaCh7umhRWxj68jj16p_z73blZi3mGt-5WZ5Fk7Bh5tOffdigYqa66cM6mUPsFLB6eyjnb4/s3460/IMG_9699.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3460" data-original-width="2375" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUre1de0iCWrh_5oIvyDLxHV-9nQmXtLiPguEUEDrMmCVbkoc2T4Yb-3bwSvzrbijVRWg0qxCojSCDwX0pljBiwuK2dxSRAUpL-UaFdf7TDmGXj4BB6jFfBaCh7umhRWxj68jj16p_z73blZi3mGt-5WZ5Fk7Bh5tOffdigYqa66cM6mUPsFLB6eyjnb4/s320/IMG_9699.jpeg" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>41) <b>Zoombezzi Bay (the weekend before Memorial Day)</b> - We went to Zoombezzi Bay twice this year. One time was in the middle of summer - it was warm, which meant ridiculous crowds and lines for popular rides that were easily over an hour. The other time was the weekend before Memorial Day. It was a little bit colder, but L and her friend could go on rides with practically no lines. Much like how our Spring Break trip helped avoid crazy National Parks crowds, there are definitely advantages to zigging when others zag. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jTDmCyz9aEWZDUngIyDK023ezp9Jl9-q72Xb82xGoX8KxqWuMvdxjsZcBds4dIfnQ2gt5oLIRlJ2xOx7gPTIixOYD_VIQQFNlEUKoUvDrF6y0OeWT2I4eHnl3naLDUeumUxMv00ww2IrKHpZn1t3f18TEtnxJTo-Bkb495Vnj_-sTaWx9hYRYMEpFpr7/s4032/IMG_9528.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jTDmCyz9aEWZDUngIyDK023ezp9Jl9-q72Xb82xGoX8KxqWuMvdxjsZcBds4dIfnQ2gt5oLIRlJ2xOx7gPTIixOYD_VIQQFNlEUKoUvDrF6y0OeWT2I4eHnl3naLDUeumUxMv00ww2IrKHpZn1t3f18TEtnxJTo-Bkb495Vnj_-sTaWx9hYRYMEpFpr7/s320/IMG_9528.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>42) <b>The Last of Us</b> - I tend to stay away from most zombie related shows / movies, but probably the best TV series I saw all year was HBO's The Last of Us. The 3rd episode (Long, Long Time) was particularly outstanding. </p><p>43) <b>The Bear Season 2</b> - Not just for the Coach K references (even if those didn't hurt) I really liked Season 2 of the Bear in a way that wasn't the case with an ok (not bad / not good) Season 1. My favorite episode (Forks) was focused on Richie at a fancy restaurant and had a few very memorable moments. </p><p>44) <b><a href="https://gastropod.com">Gastropod podcast</a></b> - Generally my family doesn't care for podcasts on long roadtrips, but one that they have absolutely loved is the gastropod podcast about science / history of food. This was a recommendation by my sister and if you had to listen to one episode I would definitely go with the fascinating history of Nutmeg. </p><p><b><u>Misc</u></b></p><p>45) <b>Lola & Giuseppe's Trattoria </b>- We had been looking for awhile for a great Italian restaurant and finally found what I consider to be the perfect little spot about 15 minutes from our home. J and I went there first and enjoyed the meal so much we had to plan another time for the whole family. We've now been there many times (because of the size, recommendations are highly recommended) and just absolutely love it. </p><p>46) <b>Marty & Matt's Visit to Columbus</b> - For the longest time I've tried to get my friend Marty to come up to Columbus and finally was able to get her to come up for a weekend. We went to Lola's, had a best of Ohio night (Skyline, pierogis, Rooster's) and went to see the Buckeyes beat the Gophers. It was so much fun showing her and her husband around Columbus.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi568VnQ3dVWPzntOali77etNwrd5Zn-KA_cZsKvYdHjq-KrxX7HYQ9FD0tu1htEe8ZcmHh3b9zx_ypy1uaNjGTUBdasxlEaj6UrCymbp_bA7rYMQV8PjaMGmRMT2iV9xZsgI6cTYeHzlItQ_ISQEPB1ZSmLi-fHjrvdXmb8k-hDsuVyd7s3ZWGjsCrjEof/s4032/IMG_1885.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi568VnQ3dVWPzntOali77etNwrd5Zn-KA_cZsKvYdHjq-KrxX7HYQ9FD0tu1htEe8ZcmHh3b9zx_ypy1uaNjGTUBdasxlEaj6UrCymbp_bA7rYMQV8PjaMGmRMT2iV9xZsgI6cTYeHzlItQ_ISQEPB1ZSmLi-fHjrvdXmb8k-hDsuVyd7s3ZWGjsCrjEof/s320/IMG_1885.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>47) <b>Working from home at Carter's</b> - With my job I work with considerate people, do interesting work and have the flexibility from being a permanent remote employee. With L & J this has been a big advantage and something I know that isn't offered to everyone. </p><p>48) <b>Scioto Fest</b> - The Metro Parks system here in Columbus is outstanding. Great parks, trails, etc. One of the best activities this year was "Scioto Fest" at Scioto Audubon Metro Park. They had bands, beer, rock climbing and we could go kayaking on the appropriately named Scioto River. This is definitely something I plan on doing again next year</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74OkoJg6ztczAqtkJhSB-PQPB0un1oSR3jpq_OMWgBaDMldDX5jRGG6Aq7DKjX_MDMiFVsc6fnbZTaS2hiRocA_ZaEwbREOtr4MjOWJnXKA0KvVdsBvKafiXbsvDE7KB-f7F7aJtjSiqX0XknM5-LG-kyagj4rlgKUNBIupy8-D-FjMOa5O2ANBlmNlmG/s2361/IMG_1248.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1678" data-original-width="2361" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74OkoJg6ztczAqtkJhSB-PQPB0un1oSR3jpq_OMWgBaDMldDX5jRGG6Aq7DKjX_MDMiFVsc6fnbZTaS2hiRocA_ZaEwbREOtr4MjOWJnXKA0KvVdsBvKafiXbsvDE7KB-f7F7aJtjSiqX0XknM5-LG-kyagj4rlgKUNBIupy8-D-FjMOa5O2ANBlmNlmG/s320/IMG_1248.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>49) <b>Issue 1</b> - In a special election in August, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-abortion-rights-constitutional-amendment-special-election-227cde039f8d51723612878525164f1a">Ohio voters rejected a bill that would make amendments to the Ohio Constitution to require 60% of of voters</a>. This is a change from the current system where amendments pass with a majority of voters voting for one side. Considering how democracy in Ohio has already been negatively affected by extreme gerrymandering (this book about the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ratf--ked-David-Daley-audiobook/dp/B01HU2X7BE/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Ratfucked+The+True+Story+Behind+the+Secret+Plan+to+Steal+America%27s+Democracy+by+David+Daley&qid=1704827750&sr=8-1">2010 midterms</a> is outstanding) this would just be another way for Republican legislatures to prevent Ohio citizens from having a true voice. It was a shady (and costly) move to try and sneak this in August and personally I would rather not have spend an hour out of my day driving to the one early voting location.....but in the end Ohio citizens did the right thing and kept their right to change the constitution. </p><p>50) <a href="http://moshisushibar.com">Moshi</a> - One of our favorite places was Moshi Sushi less than a mile away from our house. I looked it up and we went there 7 times in 2023. The food / atmosphere/ waitstaff are all great.</p><p>51) <b>Stock market</b> - Going into the year it seemed like everyone was talking about how bad the economy was and how we were due for a recession. And while I know the stock market is only one measure of the economy, it was a great year with the <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stock-market-up-24-percent-2023-rally/">SP500 up 24%</a>! It was a great year to be invested in stocks. </p><p>52) <b>Sunroom</b> - we had a full year with our new sunroom and it's a been a wonderful addition to our house. I love going there after work and enjoying a new spot. </p></div>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-18031778068537287402023-06-19T07:38:00.003-05:002023-06-19T07:38:30.073-05:00K Academy: 2023<p>What's the best vacation you can think of? Relaxing at the beach? Touring famous cities? This year my family had probably our best family trip to Utah / Arizona over Spring Break, but for my money the best possible vacation is 5 days in Durham, North Carolina at K Academy. Thanks to my lovely wife, I went back to K Academy for the 2nd time. (I did this in 2019 and <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2019/05/k-academy-day-1.html">wrote about in this blog</a>.) K Academy is a 5 day fantasy camp where you play basketball at Cameron Indoor Stadium and are coached by current & former Duke players. If you like basketball (check) and especially Duke basketball (check), it really is the absolute ideal experience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjb7_QHt1OZDppYoEjO1cIgKFQPAZ7ADJDyMhqycYSA0QLmpy7kmbqN-KxMhGWW0BUIx64vvGlLmu7aiWGGYJlQ6AwrWKhkPwkRMzo_QSQ61x5n_zxVgb09YIH9MVj9Fhnj4ZopvGDD1UmqdLW4GKLNKJgdk1L3OE1ek4LAmmOegpjqqZszt9KqwShA/s1000/05670AE9-126B-44B1-9430-04412A2191B4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjb7_QHt1OZDppYoEjO1cIgKFQPAZ7ADJDyMhqycYSA0QLmpy7kmbqN-KxMhGWW0BUIx64vvGlLmu7aiWGGYJlQ6AwrWKhkPwkRMzo_QSQ61x5n_zxVgb09YIH9MVj9Fhnj4ZopvGDD1UmqdLW4GKLNKJgdk1L3OE1ek4LAmmOegpjqqZszt9KqwShA/s320/05670AE9-126B-44B1-9430-04412A2191B4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This year I was drafted by Team Dallas. Team Dallas was coached by Duke assistant coach Jai Lucas, Duke legend Gene Banks, 4 year Duke player Sean Dockery and current Duke star Tyrese Proctor. I had a few concerns looking at our team at draft night just because it was obvious we were a short team. Slight concerns became bigger concerns as we went 0-2 the games the first days. We were short, turned the ball over too much, couldn't shoot well and struggled playing defense. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6f0-Pn1jSwMu78m8-s7ijvuxOA2-bFG5NrAwSAcrvxFw1xR5YeQbbosBvXXPoedeicrhS-2AYQShLPIxdf4FnujNyHKNIz1NfjdOUTKACoQcW3IXBp1UBIdOTJcezgIQzdiCXCv-RvGeVNJqixw9YGRva1__EAc3xHprxxHzEemDq-mb4d3XGRacTw/s1000/B3207F73-99C5-432A-8EEE-743028A4F6DE.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6f0-Pn1jSwMu78m8-s7ijvuxOA2-bFG5NrAwSAcrvxFw1xR5YeQbbosBvXXPoedeicrhS-2AYQShLPIxdf4FnujNyHKNIz1NfjdOUTKACoQcW3IXBp1UBIdOTJcezgIQzdiCXCv-RvGeVNJqixw9YGRva1__EAc3xHprxxHzEemDq-mb4d3XGRacTw/s320/B3207F73-99C5-432A-8EEE-743028A4F6DE.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>M and the kids came to see K Academy and even with them being the stands our team lost the next two games on Thursday to bring our record to 0-4. Every night they show highlights from the games during the day and Team Dallas was NOT featured prominently. The one place we did show up was Duke's social media tweeted out our <a href="https://twitter.com/DukeMBB/status/1664806986888925186?s=20">coach Jai Lucas who was mic'ed up for one of our losses</a>. There were some less than flattering quotes, but it wasn't like Coach Lucas was wrong with his assessment of our team. </p><p>We were losing and I couldn't shoot. The ball felt good leaving my hands and I could make shots in practice, but in the game situation it just didn't work out. I still LOVED being at Duke, but was definitely missing my 6-1 team from 2019. K Academy is extremely competitive (2 different games I played in had blood on the court) and it's not a shocking statement to say winning feels much better than losing. Our coaches were telling us were weren't play well (true) and we had quit (debatable) in a previous game. </p><p>The good news is that despite the number of losses, I still enjoyed hanging out with the team. We had some really great people that helped make the losing better. </p><p>We came into the playoffs on Sunday as the 10th seed (out of 10) thanks to our 0-5 record and were placed up against the 7th seed Team Denver. Team Denver had already beaten us once. Clearly Vegas doesn't produce lines for K Academy, but if they had we would have been big underdogs. We played inspired basketball and kept the close to till the very end. With one minute to go and down 2 we had the following three straight offensive possessions:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A loose ball scramble led to our point guard (who had played an excellent game) to pass me the ball on the wing. I let the ball fly, did a little skip and for the first time in a long time actually saw the ball go through the net. A 2 point deficit became a 1 point lead and I could finally feel some relief on hitting a 3 pointer.</li><li>One of the greatest lacrosse players of all time drove the ball for an acrobatic layup to stretch our lead to 3 points.</li><li>Up 2 points (Team Denver had hit 1 free throw before this) our best player (Brian) calmly hit both free throws to put us up 4 with about 5 seconds left.</li></ol><div style="text-align: left;">Those free throws officially sealed the game for us and we celebrated as if we won the national title. I'm still kind of shaking from that win. We stayed together and easily played our best game of the week. Everyone was (is) so incredibly hyped from this win.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzPwfrjvLJomxkkSGd4Q6Ej0X12vis-wuXToaHcVyF4n6yp8cp4x316-bvNogvIsXlilxFojXzifK9Rts1LiJNv1x-OwawtDC2P2223VAd9dmbXlEXImWgGuGE06wiyIQsTeZG0mpQct6-Ar4vHeY5eMPVzbV7SyG8Upnbx4gORVYcIrvF3ABhJD4mw/s1000/D1E999C3-A57B-480F-B98F-181E12D299F5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzPwfrjvLJomxkkSGd4Q6Ej0X12vis-wuXToaHcVyF4n6yp8cp4x316-bvNogvIsXlilxFojXzifK9Rts1LiJNv1x-OwawtDC2P2223VAd9dmbXlEXImWgGuGE06wiyIQsTeZG0mpQct6-Ar4vHeY5eMPVzbV7SyG8Upnbx4gORVYcIrvF3ABhJD4mw/w411-h274/D1E999C3-A57B-480F-B98F-181E12D299F5.jpeg" width="411" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We moved on to face the 2nd seeded San Antonio at Cameron Indoor Stadium for a start time an hour after our game ended. Our legs were gone and almost an instant we found ourself down 16 points. We didn't win this game and it wasn't particularly close. The highlight for me came in the layup line before the game. Coach K tapped me on the shoulder and said to me "that was a very big shot. That is making our one shining moment!" I don't know what I looked like, but I was so shocked and happy that it is hard to properly describe. Coach K! Talking to me! About a shot I made! Talk about putting the fantasy in fantasy camp.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some other observations from camp:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Tyrese Proctor</b> was a great coach. Very calming and positive person. Also, he showed up for way more games / practices than Alex O'Connell did when he was my coach in 2019. I already rooted for him before but I will be doing so even more next year.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36kT5r_NteIANrjB2uTE3gvGYZafbbCvOjKub4ODMkWVpqi9Dg-oKyuCumZohQwORp8z2rt5PWZF549_I_tzPXIo3Y65Zwr_eakgpEqvYZrnYsnr93qaqBARjmZkPmUo5reolYMtCmpeYdIHyBMVK34qYm6y1Yt_MpHWJl058UGJBfuqxtqH66dmuHg/s1024/42CBBC48-C0F2-473B-AC54-43D65B28092B_1_105_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="769" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg36kT5r_NteIANrjB2uTE3gvGYZafbbCvOjKub4ODMkWVpqi9Dg-oKyuCumZohQwORp8z2rt5PWZF549_I_tzPXIo3Y65Zwr_eakgpEqvYZrnYsnr93qaqBARjmZkPmUo5reolYMtCmpeYdIHyBMVK34qYm6y1Yt_MpHWJl058UGJBfuqxtqH66dmuHg/s320/42CBBC48-C0F2-473B-AC54-43D65B28092B_1_105_c.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Gene Banks </b>is quite the character and is filled with energy</li><li>I can see why <b>Jai Lucas</b> is such a great recruiter. He told so many riveting stories over lunch.</li><li><b>Jayden Schutt's </b>one handed tomahawk dunk over Theo John was the highlight of the player's scrimmage</li><li>The most impressive (not necessarily the best) was <b>Jared McCain</b>. He gets himself ready for the shot so well and then shoots it was so much confidence.</li><li>Talking to <b>Coach Scheyer </b>on Saturday night was easily one of the top 5 highlights. He took time to actually talk to M and I about the 2010 national title. He also pulled Coach Lucas aside and told him at the draft that "you need to draft this guy because he can really shoot the ball." Compliments like that are just incredibly to hear....even if it wold have been better had we not been an 0-5 team at the time of the compliment. </li><li>Our victory on Sunday was without <b>Coach Lucas</b>. He needed to fly to Mexico to see the Boozer boys. The open question is that Coach Lucas was 0-6 last K Academy and started this year 0-5. Does he get the win from Sunday? It was his team, but he didn't coach it.</li><li>One shooting highlight was I beat from coach (and former Duke great) <b>Chris Duhon</b> 7-6 (out of 10) in a 3 point contest during practice one day.</li><li>It was so incredibly nice to have M, L & J there cheering <b>Team Dallas</b> on for every game. I wish we would have played better but it doesn't change the fact that it was so nice having them there.</li></ul></div><p></p><div><ul style="text-align: left;"></ul><div>Overall it was just an amazing experience. I am sore writing this right now, but with a smile on my face and thinking about trying to find a way to go back. </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eQG_PO6GQcHG1imSPOQtNAaI9MIjIYWqyFiOS7wbCq-OEF8XA9PrnzuP4nhm10S_tGTAWJ90RS6HhW9CQUgimJogPXWX-r_5q8qlaOOIl89h3WEQFQU8DEdnsewTs3GMHzZnynycD1e50-XlftI4KMqYZay_cCpHUoCqAy1bPS-f2DJ650q6fUT4Wg/s750/B79FFA05-6172-4952-9CCD-347A827EEB77.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eQG_PO6GQcHG1imSPOQtNAaI9MIjIYWqyFiOS7wbCq-OEF8XA9PrnzuP4nhm10S_tGTAWJ90RS6HhW9CQUgimJogPXWX-r_5q8qlaOOIl89h3WEQFQU8DEdnsewTs3GMHzZnynycD1e50-XlftI4KMqYZay_cCpHUoCqAy1bPS-f2DJ650q6fUT4Wg/s320/B79FFA05-6172-4952-9CCD-347A827EEB77.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div><p></p><div><br /></div><p></p>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-69806788520583606742022-12-31T20:14:00.000-06:002022-12-31T20:14:56.490-06:0052 Things I Enjoyed about 2022<p>One thing that has become a relatively new tradition for the year is to look back at the previous year and pick out 52 things I enjoyed. I started <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2020/12/52-things-i-enjoyed-about-2020.html">this in 2020</a>, which was a uniquely tough year with COVID, school shutdowns and layoffs. At the time it felt good to recap things that I enjoyed. I decided to <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2021/12/52-things-i-enjoyed-about-2021.html">do it again in 2021</a> and I wanted to do it again this year. Without further ado below are 52 things I enjoyed about 2022.</p><p><b><u>Trips</u></b></p><p>1) Wiseman House in South Bend, Indiana - in 2020 we went on an unplanned trip to Bloomington, Indiana with the family of two of my college friends and had a blast. One of the big keys was getting a place with an indoor pool. Anyway, we decided to upgrade that experience by inviting another family and also getting place with both a pool and a basketball court. It was extremely cold in northern Indiana in February, but staying inside and hanging out with friends / family was definitely one of the highlights of the year</p><p>2) Gatlinburg 2.0 - in 2021 we went on a spring break trip to Gatlinburg with family friends. We decided to do the same thing again this year, but did a lot more activities with less COVID restrictions / concerns. This included a pirate show, kids museum, nature hike, mini-golf and aquarium. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7iSCzdJEqIDfFcirh5jKVhSJ9jWY5ZPWW6rxRn0LIP19ynuWb-m-Jj_ikfUXpzwc0BbHDNPJwPnIecFmG7rdYfAIFGY72KSGlPv9a_Fi_6MGQnPczYBWAJSHaTEWUHnnm0qcZLoAPgVuiHG-qClaGzPA2aO2P2ePWeiD7Dwh7cb6Rs8jVqOtijTUrg/s4032/718E264A-CA2B-4D86-9BC1-37D75E20F3A7.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix7iSCzdJEqIDfFcirh5jKVhSJ9jWY5ZPWW6rxRn0LIP19ynuWb-m-Jj_ikfUXpzwc0BbHDNPJwPnIecFmG7rdYfAIFGY72KSGlPv9a_Fi_6MGQnPczYBWAJSHaTEWUHnnm0qcZLoAPgVuiHG-qClaGzPA2aO2P2ePWeiD7Dwh7cb6Rs8jVqOtijTUrg/s320/718E264A-CA2B-4D86-9BC1-37D75E20F3A7.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>3) Horseback Riding and the best dessert ever - One activity that we did was take the girls horseback riding in the Great Smoky Mountains. It was fun seeing J & L be so confident on the horses. I give some credit to the amazing meal we had before the ride. We did zero research and just went to the first decent looking place outside the park - <a href="https://parkgrillgatlinburg.com">The Park Grill</a>. It turns out the Black Bear Brownie Bash is a dessert so good that the family still talks about it. Those provisions certainly gave us the energy for the horseback ride. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud87m_U-6H3Fxkpjm175PQoOI-NP1CiHku6WgBXYxib9pgQcX0gLocPMiHnT5aCxYxzIxVnWO5qQz3BSTeuupd29v8OQLzeUSGhEjCdRy88qUsSWAe_ALRT9Y_jybhE9esEtB7bOGRdpzgaFxnHYE8A_Y6vQeOitLcuiQz0PHQlC8-dMqOMnVL_O_-A/s4032/E5F88F9C-7151-40FA-A7CF-AE16EA69B361.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgud87m_U-6H3Fxkpjm175PQoOI-NP1CiHku6WgBXYxib9pgQcX0gLocPMiHnT5aCxYxzIxVnWO5qQz3BSTeuupd29v8OQLzeUSGhEjCdRy88qUsSWAe_ALRT9Y_jybhE9esEtB7bOGRdpzgaFxnHYE8A_Y6vQeOitLcuiQz0PHQlC8-dMqOMnVL_O_-A/s320/E5F88F9C-7151-40FA-A7CF-AE16EA69B361.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>4) Olympics 2.0 with my friend Micah - In a full day of activities I competed with the other Dad on the Gatlinburg trip in 10 competitions to see who would be crowned as Spring Break Olympics Champion. There were darts, Madden, air hockey, mini-golf, etc.....and thankfully I came out on top 6-4. </p><p>5) Bear Lake, North Carolina - the greater Malphurs family decided to try a new trip this year and go to the mountains of North Carolina. We absolutely loved Bear Lake! It was very secluded (both good and bad) with amazing views, a nice pool and an awesome house. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaMcP5o8Yl857zVkejdVAt4QOHMD6LNazASQ-AOAXt0dUupd7xDq_QdT8KNOyP3Zw7s6I2KMYv-tylm7bNjsDdhs8t3iemEzUc37ARzmrl9D4F5_f743keJtX6n8wslVti8BPZgaJN6VW_Yuy1s08IBzIq3tj-vcQ2R4Kv-tXdWGyPFT0_6cfDfWMMw/s4032/826F3B62-F989-4986-B6C7-DFEFEE1BFB63.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaMcP5o8Yl857zVkejdVAt4QOHMD6LNazASQ-AOAXt0dUupd7xDq_QdT8KNOyP3Zw7s6I2KMYv-tylm7bNjsDdhs8t3iemEzUc37ARzmrl9D4F5_f743keJtX6n8wslVti8BPZgaJN6VW_Yuy1s08IBzIq3tj-vcQ2R4Kv-tXdWGyPFT0_6cfDfWMMw/s320/826F3B62-F989-4986-B6C7-DFEFEE1BFB63.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>6) <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/secret-falls-trail">Secret Falls Hike </a>outside Bear Lake - One afternoon we went out to get lunch and go on a "moderate" hike to see a water fall. This was a recommendation from a friend and it was well worth the effort. It was gorgeous, not crowded and impressive that my 79 year old mother was able to complete. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw48fj5029CVSsc7FHPVwhmc56uQYClSR62c3-thoji3M_TOH1pRaUwwjs_Ti4UnWwxZe1n_gE7vafe6DST8PnpUk6cyve8D00-0TBAR1iaHL15S5hXcXzGYfuqA75cq54NwikILdgEEV_UwkfQWXkyl25r7HHudKgop_HNR7ZiaaJq3_gfwVbHqUytg/s4032/DD8CADE7-1FD1-4FCD-A8A6-7916BB230267.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw48fj5029CVSsc7FHPVwhmc56uQYClSR62c3-thoji3M_TOH1pRaUwwjs_Ti4UnWwxZe1n_gE7vafe6DST8PnpUk6cyve8D00-0TBAR1iaHL15S5hXcXzGYfuqA75cq54NwikILdgEEV_UwkfQWXkyl25r7HHudKgop_HNR7ZiaaJq3_gfwVbHqUytg/s320/DD8CADE7-1FD1-4FCD-A8A6-7916BB230267.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>7) 24 Hours in Toledo - a random, but great trip this year was when I took the girls up to Toledo for a fossil hunt (L read about it in a local magazine), Tony Packo's, a MudHens game, an amazing breakfast (highly recommend <a href="https://www.fowlandfodder.com">Fowl and Fodder</a>) and the Toledo Museum of Art. It combined a lot of what I enjoy with trips and was a perfect time with my daughters. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphVfmz0T42uN5thMgPuTktu8BqFiCO5cXEO1H6zbtXv89pkhsLxBCWGV_-aGqRexpvHjPfxrMSy2csjvIcp3om-rpdtRYNrT89bqlbiKhFxOqS8Atl2GLDuYnXnG-MDfVRrnbNlCXnbp5WLLx-goLQNbdMpgAAWolCkI5CuPvU-Wqg7lGIgKP5dxiWA/s4032/42460E54-553E-42DF-9592-665E967C1944.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjphVfmz0T42uN5thMgPuTktu8BqFiCO5cXEO1H6zbtXv89pkhsLxBCWGV_-aGqRexpvHjPfxrMSy2csjvIcp3om-rpdtRYNrT89bqlbiKhFxOqS8Atl2GLDuYnXnG-MDfVRrnbNlCXnbp5WLLx-goLQNbdMpgAAWolCkI5CuPvU-Wqg7lGIgKP5dxiWA/s320/42460E54-553E-42DF-9592-665E967C1944.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>8) 5 Hours at Miami University - it was a year of many short driving trips and the shortest one of the year was a quick trip back to Miami University. We walked around the campus, went to a Redhawks football game and enjoyed Bagel & Deli at the park. I wish we would have had more time, but it gets tricky to plan trips with both a dog and J's soccer schedule. Anyway, it was nice having time back where I spent 4 wonderful years. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89Zfod1L1es7Vb_XwdIA6KlpE1qp68-6UC8Ah6ONMa8z6_xiJ9BlyVyXzWLkY5rovV8xNW8qJxkgsTUyYBCnetDom8IJuENgiXTjyAqLkar9hZYF1bkjwTrSivxr5ED6uDymy2CNRcpVdc5-SfgZ8N-YsuTqiqDedxW9oBCA_VsewMTMPumPvgT7RpA/s4032/210618E2-8EA1-40EC-86DE-BBD16A1F6447.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89Zfod1L1es7Vb_XwdIA6KlpE1qp68-6UC8Ah6ONMa8z6_xiJ9BlyVyXzWLkY5rovV8xNW8qJxkgsTUyYBCnetDom8IJuENgiXTjyAqLkar9hZYF1bkjwTrSivxr5ED6uDymy2CNRcpVdc5-SfgZ8N-YsuTqiqDedxW9oBCA_VsewMTMPumPvgT7RpA/s320/210618E2-8EA1-40EC-86DE-BBD16A1F6447.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>9) Perfect Reds baseball day - For Christmas last year I got passes to go on a ballpark tour of Great American Ballpark in Cincy. We planned a full day where we did the tour, had lunch and then went to an afternoon game between the Reds and the Rays. The Reds won on a walk-off in extra innings with the most impressive thing being that the entire family watched probably 80% of the game. It didn't hurt that it was an absolutely perfect day outside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBKHB8Vl2DB8FmGRw_sEdT8mYcZIASqZMCxCCiQNkY7Q740H_O82CPIq6x91B2UM629YvN9yYacO9Y8iFxNJ6sBKjkHiX9Cy-k6PglIMPQ0Y601MTvw-sWvYDPlMEuodeD5OGoXSMA98aznyrxV4x5rbU_Gtkbkrx1Y2hyTbuOwPmV5W43BPV7b_ADg/s4032/0A4B2849-0D3D-49CB-B255-82D10D2D293D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaBKHB8Vl2DB8FmGRw_sEdT8mYcZIASqZMCxCCiQNkY7Q740H_O82CPIq6x91B2UM629YvN9yYacO9Y8iFxNJ6sBKjkHiX9Cy-k6PglIMPQ0Y601MTvw-sWvYDPlMEuodeD5OGoXSMA98aznyrxV4x5rbU_Gtkbkrx1Y2hyTbuOwPmV5W43BPV7b_ADg/s320/0A4B2849-0D3D-49CB-B255-82D10D2D293D.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>10) Sotto (best meal of the year) - after the Reds game we went to check into our hotel and was pleasantly surprised with an upgrade to a suite. The game and walking took awhile, but we were still hungry. In a somewhat risky move we decided to go to a fancy Italian meal in downtown Cincy. The food, atmosphere, wait staff and overall vibe was perfect. When I go back to Cincy I hope to go back to Sotto. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkVSc9gfLhha-fmOe_JKDEagTY6RPgWmWT9lCvoHX6pVDrKNFIbZBJCsUxD2AK9HFqHFF-MsTXGMca2ILgpjduNgFIo3saK4RaM64HY5P2uJ1oR7yAIQ2dxEthU0njFZxrMixOylnocUAs49m6L5R3vVHCVo7EFoTQrSy8oDMXYepM1Z_cVVUG99sbg/s4032/B79ACAB2-317D-4B47-A714-719557202216.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkVSc9gfLhha-fmOe_JKDEagTY6RPgWmWT9lCvoHX6pVDrKNFIbZBJCsUxD2AK9HFqHFF-MsTXGMca2ILgpjduNgFIo3saK4RaM64HY5P2uJ1oR7yAIQ2dxEthU0njFZxrMixOylnocUAs49m6L5R3vVHCVo7EFoTQrSy8oDMXYepM1Z_cVVUG99sbg/s320/B79ACAB2-317D-4B47-A714-719557202216.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>11) Counting Crows in Indianapolis with the family - M had wanted to see one of her favorite bands for awhile, so we looked up tickets and planned a trip to Indianapolis to see the Counting Crows play at Holiday Park. It was awesome! The kids were well behaved (there isn't much better than other parents nearby complimenting them) and the Counting Crows were excellent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZRtLsDUNbIzceNwGxQbqNhrKy4c6BT_oJOD_LIUS1IljeVdhkd7D5QDC617cZHz0gNT0jOB-6YMG9GXC6cVhK0P9YEC9SyCX6N_uKfMsiKY5TVyrgwPfBUvXGaXZS6ESok01rwrgK7BWfDDkZ-uzPGMyPvmC4jqwGq_ErVgjApjx9TtW7FJpc4NF0g/s4032/F2FA8EBD-13AF-4F52-8194-17D9214FF235.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQZRtLsDUNbIzceNwGxQbqNhrKy4c6BT_oJOD_LIUS1IljeVdhkd7D5QDC617cZHz0gNT0jOB-6YMG9GXC6cVhK0P9YEC9SyCX6N_uKfMsiKY5TVyrgwPfBUvXGaXZS6ESok01rwrgK7BWfDDkZ-uzPGMyPvmC4jqwGq_ErVgjApjx9TtW7FJpc4NF0g/s320/F2FA8EBD-13AF-4F52-8194-17D9214FF235.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>12) Planning Utah / Arizona trip - our big trip for next year is going out west to primarily see the national parks out there. While the trip hasn't happened yet it has been fun reading about both states and planning what we will do</p><p>13) 24 Hours in New Orleans - While back in Mississippi for Christmas, we planned an overnight trip to New Orleans where M & I enjoyed some excellent food and walking around New Orleans. That evening I took my BIL and nephews to go see the Bucks play the Pelicans. The game was close, the stadium was full and it was amazing seeing Giannis and Zion for the first time. </p><p><b><u>Family</u></b></p><p>14) Rio - after much conversations, we finally decided to add a dog to the family! Rio has been such a great addition to the family. I take him on plenty of walks and he gets more than enough snuggles from my daughters. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJxvHFnhSQ77w7sterQde8YWPPZyk9sJGjyKkaVhtN-1CoA2Uu0V2EFztYVfr--8_fQg9poVDyC-T2hvRBnE8sj5rpund0CsTSDRNoaS1zK_1YRwwbtlSeVbb_1v4_DEmnlTnTL4_1LEug7M6L0YtU61sP4du7twj6-ToRPLALOgWP1h9I6xVp5Xb5A/s4032/CFF1C7A6-B698-490D-8772-80C4712FEDD9.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJxvHFnhSQ77w7sterQde8YWPPZyk9sJGjyKkaVhtN-1CoA2Uu0V2EFztYVfr--8_fQg9poVDyC-T2hvRBnE8sj5rpund0CsTSDRNoaS1zK_1YRwwbtlSeVbb_1v4_DEmnlTnTL4_1LEug7M6L0YtU61sP4du7twj6-ToRPLALOgWP1h9I6xVp5Xb5A/s320/CFF1C7A6-B698-490D-8772-80C4712FEDD9.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>15) Rio chasing after tennis balls - Rio is a medium sized dog that we think is a mix of beagle and cocker spaniel. Something in his DNA gives him an extreme ability and interest in chasing tennis balls. It's super fun to throwing or hitting a tennis ball and seeing Rio run after them. He never seems to get tired in general or specifically of the idea of chasing after tennis balls.</p><p>16) Team Melon / J scoring goals - I signed up to coach J's soccer team again and we had a great year! J went from more of a focus on defense (as she says it) to playing a little more offense. This was the first year we played against goalies and despite that extra layer of defense J was able to get a few goals. Of course the important thing is that everyone seemed to have fun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxOLKT0nPltkBZNWZH1NcD8kZ99a5oAFBTIakpCJXa8lGGNekRd0vey4AXTgLHcMTsYffTa7gOsA2u9TbPcZV2s6AlxJKkM936cL_wjH9x4axy_keZno7-084IIRuSxS9byGWqrpPxVWKw_k0wCTsNgUFTz422hneTES21P7ef-QP7btiVE2zXbbMaA/s4032/F3AA548B-4035-43CB-923F-CB6F4989B39D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxOLKT0nPltkBZNWZH1NcD8kZ99a5oAFBTIakpCJXa8lGGNekRd0vey4AXTgLHcMTsYffTa7gOsA2u9TbPcZV2s6AlxJKkM936cL_wjH9x4axy_keZno7-084IIRuSxS9byGWqrpPxVWKw_k0wCTsNgUFTz422hneTES21P7ef-QP7btiVE2zXbbMaA/s320/F3AA548B-4035-43CB-923F-CB6F4989B39D.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>17) Home Addition - much in the spirit of a lot of our neighbors in Bexley, we got a taste of the home improvement bug. We were able to find a good builder (who ended up being great!) and over the course of the back half of the year we saw as the backyard transformed from normal to a giant hole to an outline of an addition and then finally to a full new room. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLJOLEp3QqusyaXtzPV-_8oaIWgEI3ABl4oAcQuPFTjSp5dlcd2B21VjA3fBeQkNg3Yi2E4RhQycT2vuw3imx3ZDzRHx5QYQkteV6_BBtIQbQoJhr1jL26h7mMvGR2tsq8xuibZsrjLdvrY03r4Qd5_xkp5OhycztFpz96PsvUrYWSiaLW1wPLa0LLA/s4032/77892FC5-744E-4640-BAFE-A4351DB26536.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLJOLEp3QqusyaXtzPV-_8oaIWgEI3ABl4oAcQuPFTjSp5dlcd2B21VjA3fBeQkNg3Yi2E4RhQycT2vuw3imx3ZDzRHx5QYQkteV6_BBtIQbQoJhr1jL26h7mMvGR2tsq8xuibZsrjLdvrY03r4Qd5_xkp5OhycztFpz96PsvUrYWSiaLW1wPLa0LLA/s320/77892FC5-744E-4640-BAFE-A4351DB26536.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8dMWpglHMjD31wk2b99k78FsJ5clzrA9N7RFNysG_E0F9DJETqqc0dXF7lpxaQs-WknWE1dOKVTw5i0DB5tEynXKceO5KwV4HZ5IkMK2V38P6KUkQGeKf3QnFtfbu7fpTvO5Vqt18XpwbdHsrFxxxUorKVxpKaa3ROtGJ67mditkVQWWXOrgKEiIXw/s4032/C427AFAD-A86F-4583-82B4-079B9DCED238.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8dMWpglHMjD31wk2b99k78FsJ5clzrA9N7RFNysG_E0F9DJETqqc0dXF7lpxaQs-WknWE1dOKVTw5i0DB5tEynXKceO5KwV4HZ5IkMK2V38P6KUkQGeKf3QnFtfbu7fpTvO5Vqt18XpwbdHsrFxxxUorKVxpKaa3ROtGJ67mditkVQWWXOrgKEiIXw/s320/C427AFAD-A86F-4583-82B4-079B9DCED238.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjS22xyHrvEv7iYDQIrnzAyN6TzLv7pDVC7yVEQGu4b8t9HE4npvWU-wVruzFNYqNt8p8LSYSvfMGiZioQeLHLd5daz7HMBisU7XxNxuNyknexF351ZK4YL9hIazPv9bH7DrK403DdgIhGzX69HVEmNqGM3NTFEWWhOdfsnqOSr9h9D1i0tIOU8SFLQ/s4032/7864C726-A3ED-446A-B57E-552A8EA1DBED.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjS22xyHrvEv7iYDQIrnzAyN6TzLv7pDVC7yVEQGu4b8t9HE4npvWU-wVruzFNYqNt8p8LSYSvfMGiZioQeLHLd5daz7HMBisU7XxNxuNyknexF351ZK4YL9hIazPv9bH7DrK403DdgIhGzX69HVEmNqGM3NTFEWWhOdfsnqOSr9h9D1i0tIOU8SFLQ/s320/7864C726-A3ED-446A-B57E-552A8EA1DBED.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>18) M's 40th birthday party - M had a pretty big birthday this year so I planned a big party at the Franklin Park Conservatory complete with out of town guests, a band, a photographer and a brunch. The goal was to get some of our favorite people around to celebrate such a big day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWZCIsLKd5bPqh24zn2XdrIWKRkPs3LxRFU2fiUVNUplLRdrknEkNj_Z6t7ywu7VOLaY3A1T1dz26ZbKYU2jkoL6OP29TVsirF0wqVBNKNhlJn-QNQyF2jPgyEvhK7v-eD01ElEYgHIkMBpqJUKTX_AhgCzyzJgvkBI9Hls-86JF_VIjNeiT0oT1g-Q/s6534/A5DB58B0-ADE1-44E3-8A48-5E1CEC60C52F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4356" data-original-width="6534" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWZCIsLKd5bPqh24zn2XdrIWKRkPs3LxRFU2fiUVNUplLRdrknEkNj_Z6t7ywu7VOLaY3A1T1dz26ZbKYU2jkoL6OP29TVsirF0wqVBNKNhlJn-QNQyF2jPgyEvhK7v-eD01ElEYgHIkMBpqJUKTX_AhgCzyzJgvkBI9Hls-86JF_VIjNeiT0oT1g-Q/s320/A5DB58B0-ADE1-44E3-8A48-5E1CEC60C52F.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>19) Blue Jackets with Oscar - my nephew loves the Blue Jackets and I've enjoyed taking him to a few games this year. Hockey will never be my favorite sport, but I love his passion for the game and the Jackets are an enjoyable live sports experience </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfxqm5Dy1jmSSO3IRf3oTQjsQFzToFh4WNugxiqplMmFySTFEX1BUy7IURkpx3_uT0tevQdeujztWjgBUgsXm6bYx3NFDPd6GrmuDF5pyp06oI49jRbYCm79DqiBu-Q6GW08hRGZ6ZmmWyLTtkIQQ0MspsArFSaz0o-5HWMvSvsMHuNRYujSXvumQ2A/s4032/13BF7B44-CEA3-485B-A4C0-3E6EC44FF8E7.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfxqm5Dy1jmSSO3IRf3oTQjsQFzToFh4WNugxiqplMmFySTFEX1BUy7IURkpx3_uT0tevQdeujztWjgBUgsXm6bYx3NFDPd6GrmuDF5pyp06oI49jRbYCm79DqiBu-Q6GW08hRGZ6ZmmWyLTtkIQQ0MspsArFSaz0o-5HWMvSvsMHuNRYujSXvumQ2A/s320/13BF7B44-CEA3-485B-A4C0-3E6EC44FF8E7.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>20) Sledding outside the conservatory - we've taken the kids sledding a few times and they absolutely loved this one cold day outside the conservatory. This is a repeat from last year's list. </p><p>21) L's 4H - L got pretty into 4H this year in terms of attending meetings and also presenting at the Franklin County Fair. It was awesome to see her love for animals manifest itself into a group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaO9-75K-PwZh-xXm3FLp0vS6oxBUXUAXiuSkt-CjmQ37dk_eIXhXTW_JBDZEiWZmHmd2rRf0_HTT6mL6wNYvhktU11lhvhGelSQ2a0ZQ0gKYhhmfkdgjTjX1gkKMZC_52v8O3hIwW5tnQX5RXpAg7WhnjZfAgLx1RUsSwmwkc0wLobbboswqZCgnBA/s4032/F673037F-03E6-4CAF-B292-AF893003B3EA.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaO9-75K-PwZh-xXm3FLp0vS6oxBUXUAXiuSkt-CjmQ37dk_eIXhXTW_JBDZEiWZmHmd2rRf0_HTT6mL6wNYvhktU11lhvhGelSQ2a0ZQ0gKYhhmfkdgjTjX1gkKMZC_52v8O3hIwW5tnQX5RXpAg7WhnjZfAgLx1RUsSwmwkc0wLobbboswqZCgnBA/s320/F673037F-03E6-4CAF-B292-AF893003B3EA.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>22) "L is a kind classmate and has a positive attitude" - her teacher. Earlier I wrote about other parents complimenting our kids behavior....in that same vein I love getting reports back on both L & J's personalities. </p><p>23) J's funny sayings - J is very open, honest and direct and with an ever expanding vocabulary it is a treat to see what she will say at any moment. </p><p>24) Anniversary dinner with kids at Martini - for our anniversary this year we all dressed up and had a nice meal in downtown Columbus. It's fun to doing these things with our family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EeW1Qfg_D_LXcD3itaD02jMa37Qf9Fmq-tjNqIpr7TEBi1RKy1s3RFp-niNBqOYFSsx8veundi6_O3-jZ481ZPxClJWxodWdjH6_ZpVftZL34HT6Jwb1sYI79fcOU8bhWJAntDV8iB9dpJXGgbobdMAz1IY8lO78c4hzfq-dYLPahSZJOWpveCTkuA/s4032/C429280A-4609-4DB1-A495-AD939CA76D56.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EeW1Qfg_D_LXcD3itaD02jMa37Qf9Fmq-tjNqIpr7TEBi1RKy1s3RFp-niNBqOYFSsx8veundi6_O3-jZ481ZPxClJWxodWdjH6_ZpVftZL34HT6Jwb1sYI79fcOU8bhWJAntDV8iB9dpJXGgbobdMAz1IY8lO78c4hzfq-dYLPahSZJOWpveCTkuA/s320/C429280A-4609-4DB1-A495-AD939CA76D56.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p>25) Sausage balls, edam cheese and the comforts of home - one of the pleasures of coming home is the familiarity of eating some of the appetizers prepared every single year. I enjoy looking forward to it every year and am pleased with our traditions. </p><p>26) The kids being able to independently walk 0.2 miles to and from school - one of the great things about where we live is the elementary school that both L & J go to is so close to our house. We normally walk them to and from school, but occasionally we let them make the trek by themselves. It's nice to live in a safe / walkable community.</p><p>27) Being the godfather for Otis - M and I drove up to Carey, Ohio to attend and participate in Otis's baptism. Afterward we had an excellent breakfast in downtown Carey. It was great spending time with family and I felt honored to have been chosen as Otis's godfather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnTIdxqn2MKn_Qg1ScniU0lkZYyepyt31A8cCDsv10TWe91rNPFPPo8hbrHL_OwkNm3IcIj_BTn9ALYtwrpX0HSy6iDCuIY0ZKjBRi5_VV3gPS-cGHHD2W6qHjWIxSoI7Hf42YpvmKhsuJwAzYiA0SM36hn206frijI08GREXWZ3LJxKBxk-zzJ5EiA/s3129/455753AF-EEFA-403E-9C7B-8A4451F59820_1_201_a.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2565" data-original-width="3129" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnTIdxqn2MKn_Qg1ScniU0lkZYyepyt31A8cCDsv10TWe91rNPFPPo8hbrHL_OwkNm3IcIj_BTn9ALYtwrpX0HSy6iDCuIY0ZKjBRi5_VV3gPS-cGHHD2W6qHjWIxSoI7Hf42YpvmKhsuJwAzYiA0SM36hn206frijI08GREXWZ3LJxKBxk-zzJ5EiA/s320/455753AF-EEFA-403E-9C7B-8A4451F59820_1_201_a.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p><b><u>Sports</u></b></p><p>28) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHDgQmuBjik">Mitchell to Gobert against the Mavs</a> - It's been a strange two years as a Jazz fan. The 2020-2021 team was the best team in the regular season and had a good chance of winning the title. It all came crashing down with 4 straight losses (each more painful) against the Clippers, but expectations were still high for the 2021-2022 team. That team never really figured it out and despite individual excellence from Gobert / Mitchell it was a disappointing year that eventually ended up with the team blowing things up and trading them. I miss rooting for both of them on the Jazz. The last good moment for those two was the game 4 comeback win against the Mavs that ended in a great pass from Mitchell to Gobert. It's weird because one could make the case it was meaningless (they didn't win the series or even another game), but at the time it made me jump up and down like a child on Christmas morning. That seems meaningful to me. </p><p>29) <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401437633">The Dolphins 21 point 4th quarter comeback against the Ravens</a> - The Dolphins completed one of their most surprising wins ever when Tua was NBA Jam level hot in the 4th quarter throwing TD passes to Waddle / Hill. At the time it both stood by itself as an amazing game and also seemed to suggest a "new Dolphins" that would compete for AFC East division and a long run through the playoffs.</p><p>30) <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/game/_/gameId/401437821">Dolphins at Bears</a> - In a picture perfect day in Chicago, I was able to see the Dolphins win a very high scoring game against an improving Bears team. This was my 6th stadium (Miami, Cincy, Minnesota, Green Bay & Indy) where I've seen the Dolphins win a game. It was nice adding a new stadium to that list.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD_qsCiN3dohPlb9drdfGVkGJu8cPVBFjVbqP5dBEsvE7EvcnoIQQV0Hz5w8WnH7jThazKEsRZVa5uKJ3h_Vx8HOVXsYpZje8g4r86uj24OKS_FL__7ROktaUu20jlUvrYYpXvUlBuex_1lizE3tyIN4lIaixDWK2rv5ubYJE734eVolRZr-Iwx7cOw/s1024/1CBFFA17-477E-40E9-9E23-9FBF922BC42D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbD_qsCiN3dohPlb9drdfGVkGJu8cPVBFjVbqP5dBEsvE7EvcnoIQQV0Hz5w8WnH7jThazKEsRZVa5uKJ3h_Vx8HOVXsYpZje8g4r86uj24OKS_FL__7ROktaUu20jlUvrYYpXvUlBuex_1lizE3tyIN4lIaixDWK2rv5ubYJE734eVolRZr-Iwx7cOw/s320/1CBFFA17-477E-40E9-9E23-9FBF922BC42D.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>31) Patrick Mahomes - It was a weird year in fantasy (started 2-5 thanks to Akers / Moore / Pitts) that has ended both good (making the playoffs, winning a playoff game) and bad (an all time loss in the semifinals), but one constant through it all is the overall excellence of Patrick Mahomes. I love rooting for him and despite it being somewhat routine (he does it every year) it is still shockingly amazing. </p><p>32) Tony Pollard - For a couple years now I've thought Tony Pollard has the potential to be an amazing running back. This year I drafted him in fantasy for a ridiculously cheap price and then watched him lead my team (him + Mahomes) to the playoffs. </p><p>33) Jeremy Roach in the tournament - so the tournament didn't end as any Duke fan would want. Losing to UNC in Coach K's final game was tough. Still the tournament provided a lot of joy. There was the well-played game against Michigan State that effectively ended on a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3-6duozin0">pull up 3 from Jeremy Roach</a>. Then there was the best game of the tournament (in my opinion) between Duke and a veteran Texas Tech team. That game also ended with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hn4I0drPMU">clutch Roach shots</a>. There isn't much better than watching your team get hot during March Madness and to have some memorable plays and a Final Four appearance.....not too bad for Coach K's last run. </p><p>34) <a href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401370117">Duke at Louisville</a> with Megan - on a cold day in January I met my friend Megan (she drove up from Nashville) for a fun Duke win at the Yum Center in Louisville. AJ Griffin was amazing and we celebrated the win eating an excellent burger across the street at SideBar. It was great catching up with my friend and hearing about her move back from Switzerland to Nashville. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSUv0nJIu__zr_Baq4-O5ma6aBKDJyIjPNhhO6IBp1MGFprSTOCMHbSf_vZhjO2srz6bEWIXM3uQturW56UROgeHuDTBoF2TowDKb2OYPx0m6JI-L-HsnKuHT49pEw4-1c3qfsRuJyi-GBgc0Sn3cAUcp_BzvyIg-Wt8Iuwe2vziNjSsJqZ9F7jC3OQ/s4032/C0DC125F-7B7E-4447-A636-D556C18793F7.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRSUv0nJIu__zr_Baq4-O5ma6aBKDJyIjPNhhO6IBp1MGFprSTOCMHbSf_vZhjO2srz6bEWIXM3uQturW56UROgeHuDTBoF2TowDKb2OYPx0m6JI-L-HsnKuHT49pEw4-1c3qfsRuJyi-GBgc0Sn3cAUcp_BzvyIg-Wt8Iuwe2vziNjSsJqZ9F7jC3OQ/s320/C0DC125F-7B7E-4447-A636-D556C18793F7.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>35) Multiple Clippers games with the family - we really got into the grove going to probably 5-10 Clippers games this year. We even got to bring Rio to two "bark in the park" games, which was fun. The girls still love telling the story about him eating an entire hot dog. </p><p>36) <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401468612">Bucks / Pelicans</a> with my BIL and nephews - this was listed above, but one of the highlights of the year were lower level tickets to see Giannis and Zion. I had been to a previous Pelicans game (pre-COVID) and the atmosphere was fine, but it's amazing to see how Zion has transformed the games. It was a mostly full arena and everyone really seemed to be invested in the game.</p><p><b><u>Entertainment</u></b></p><p>37) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Pain-History-Sackler-Dynasty/dp/B08NFF9ZNY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2CLG5XLSD9BY2&keywords=empire+of+pain+book&qid=1672536059&sprefix=Empire+of+pain%2Caps%2C112&sr=8-1">Empire of Pain</a> by Patrick Radden Keefe - easily the best book I listened to all year. It continues a theme with the next book on the list of showing extremely wealthy people (in this book multiple generations of the same family) who have what seem to be no ethics. I truly don't understand people with all the money in the world, making life so incredibly awful for so many people. Keefe did an excellent job of showing the full history of the Sackler family in a way that reminded me of David Halberstam. It would have been easy to just go with the facts (how many opioid pills were distributed, how many people died, etc) but showing the context of how we reached that point made the story fascinating. I highly recommend this. </p><p>38) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Man-Who-Broke-Capitalism-America/dp/B09L57P9KK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=57N0B664JVKE&keywords=the+man+who+broke+capitalism&qid=1672536098&s=audible&sprefix=the+man+who+bro%2Caudible%2C87&sr=1-1">The Man Who Broke Capitalism</a> by David Gelles - this book wasn't as well reviewed as the Empire of Pain, but I enjoyed hearing this writer provide both a biography of Jack Welch and a critique on our modern system. The greed (common theme as Empire of Pain, White Lotus, Succession, etc) and lack of ethics from Welch makes one wonder why he was ever such an American Icon. </p><p>39) <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Reign-Terror-Destabilized-America-Produced/dp/1984879774">Reign of Terror</a> by Spencer Ackerman - I don't mean to read just depressing books, but this was a really good read for anyone looking to learn more about the "war on terror" and the depressing side effects. I wish our country spent more time / money on solving problems like mass transportation, affordable housing and healthcare....and less time / money on military operations. </p><p>40) Carly Pearce - Thanks to a <a href="https://www.vox.com/23279357/carly-pearce-29-written-in-stone-review">vox article</a>, I was introduced to Carly Pearce and really enjoyed her music. I would like to see if she comes through Columbus because she isn't quite as popular (yet) as someone like Kacey Musgraves</p><p>41) <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/02/happiness-age-investment/622818/">The Seven Habits That Lead to Happiness in Old Age</a> - By Arthur Brooks - one of my favorite articles and series in general is the "How to build a life" column in the Atlantic. This specific one is worth a read as it's short and has specific advice on things that could increase your happiness in the long term. I feel like I do a pretty good job of not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and prioritizing daily movement....but could certainly improve with learning and (outside my core family) developing long-term relationships. </p><p><b><u>Misc</u></b></p><p>42) <a href="https://19nine.com">19nine</a> - my favorite company right now is a retro college basketball company based out of Evansville, Indiana. This year they came out with a 2008 Davidson line, quarter-zips (one I am wearing as I write this) and introduced schools like Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Also, the entire St. John's mid 90s options are close to perfect.</p><p>43) Carter's - I enjoy the place I work and the people I work with, which is something I can appreciate more as I've worked for companies on the range from good to bad. </p><p>44) Trips to Atlanta - this year I flew into Carter's Headquarters approximately 6 times and it's nice having a routine with same flights, train, breakfast, etc. Plus the added bonus of actually being the great people I work with in person.</p><p>45) Pigs in a blanket, chocolate milk and catching up with old friends - one of my absolute favorite things about being back in Mississippi is visiting the parents of my high school friend. They ask great questions, spoil my kids and generally we just have an excellent conversation. I feel lucky to have these people in my life. </p><p>46) The rejection of (most) of the election denying Republicans - the red wave didn't come to fruition with the Republicans getting the House, but barely missing out on the Senate. It was about as good of a possible outcome for Democrats. Importantly most of of the most out the Republicans lost. Our democracy is in trouble thanks to things like voter suppression, gerrymandering and the Big Lie. It makes me worried when we can't accept basic rules or facts with the election. The 2022 election didn't solve it, but thankfully it didn't make it worse. </p><p>47) Schiller Park - we have a wonderful park in the middle of German Village where we take Rio and let him enjoy seeing other dogs while also chasing both squirrels (he never catches them) and tennis balls. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6CaJQZMFjXC7yV4eIPlDkqAfC7jd1ANqEbzek1qI1kfCYUnmUUV1WD0hnfT-bu0L1osWbwk0uwb5sqK_TD3EVkAolOHM9_LAd9qkumLh9rO21AYzLJw4tR7vn1IXGksy-MynXzgqKNYVeehcfjQ2e7T9Ext9bLMTnJ4R_dn5J8coIGGUmpTfNcTu7w/s4032/ABC1095A-959F-4A32-8DE4-E00F6D890C25.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr6CaJQZMFjXC7yV4eIPlDkqAfC7jd1ANqEbzek1qI1kfCYUnmUUV1WD0hnfT-bu0L1osWbwk0uwb5sqK_TD3EVkAolOHM9_LAd9qkumLh9rO21AYzLJw4tR7vn1IXGksy-MynXzgqKNYVeehcfjQ2e7T9Ext9bLMTnJ4R_dn5J8coIGGUmpTfNcTu7w/s320/ABC1095A-959F-4A32-8DE4-E00F6D890C25.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p>48) The Ohio State Fair - one of my favorite yearly activities is going to the Ohio State Fair and this year I took my kids + my nephew for a Wednesday night of fun. We did a lot of rides, the big slide and ate some excellent food. It's just a lot of fun for myself and also to see it through the eyes of my children. All things considered (cost, connivence and lack of crowds) makes the Ohio State Fair about 1000X better than Disney. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOByTK3nWIfXKpbYQGGnN-bk8rjLtsqfz3wXiBmMac6jPPwqK-NC0b3twGd8WAcsxE6KWJAOP1ff8yl3uFxxicI0v87B7bXjsc6fZdGaj_uzbi4n-6WVjOUcOqsiDB8SdSP62C-SwC1XiH6no9KeA9wzBYrTJS0kHmyduvlxkDVKwq0S_SR-qFwDVDlg/s4032/79777072-DE72-4BB3-A8B9-FA4F1A18B244.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOByTK3nWIfXKpbYQGGnN-bk8rjLtsqfz3wXiBmMac6jPPwqK-NC0b3twGd8WAcsxE6KWJAOP1ff8yl3uFxxicI0v87B7bXjsc6fZdGaj_uzbi4n-6WVjOUcOqsiDB8SdSP62C-SwC1XiH6no9KeA9wzBYrTJS0kHmyduvlxkDVKwq0S_SR-qFwDVDlg/s320/79777072-DE72-4BB3-A8B9-FA4F1A18B244.heic" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>49) Come From Away with M - I had seen this play in New York a few years ago and was excited to see it with M when they came to Cbus. It did not disappoint. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFh3PMaUr4EDNiwiJNGuaLpXdWbCRJuN5aB_9j2pkCwUpnn9zX8Sr7yilHwXcV4nVb7KpEnozpvXqSTMqfLvKpuXrHIMSNGknNCjfd-FN4dq0v4aWj9n3eH127cdxkZnSF4lv0cmVyeZ8MXIC7Tn59KZUkQeAJnyacoYgZUMdMt53gYFvmTnx0cjPNw/s3088/B2879A1B-3D3D-4E51-94FB-844CF8070A3F.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFh3PMaUr4EDNiwiJNGuaLpXdWbCRJuN5aB_9j2pkCwUpnn9zX8Sr7yilHwXcV4nVb7KpEnozpvXqSTMqfLvKpuXrHIMSNGknNCjfd-FN4dq0v4aWj9n3eH127cdxkZnSF4lv0cmVyeZ8MXIC7Tn59KZUkQeAJnyacoYgZUMdMt53gYFvmTnx0cjPNw/s320/B2879A1B-3D3D-4E51-94FB-844CF8070A3F.heic" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>50) The Ringer Fantasy Football Show - my favorite podcast of the year might not have done the best job of helping me with my fantasy teams (they really didn't like Josh Jacobs going into the year as an example), but I loved their personalities. It was a favorite of mine to listen to them recap the Sunday games on every Monday morning<br /><p>51) Halloween - it was great seeing the kids dress up, hang out with my parents and see the entire neighborhood come out for a fun evening. Also, I loved being a kid again and dress up as Felipe Lopez.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS1lTeIb6J2Fea-W90WPlO6NDFSBy5CKS4cUvTQ45IFzL6AXPeU-s2YalF8hhRIXVcNjrnQSVGoXSPEaBnAVC0xh61p0I-NKaAMHX3OXl2BbUvDyB-X9nqfYCNXEG-nHvhg7uzwb1Z04VWcl0rXajp1zIhnbTrtiC86coDAMWiy951P6ORt3cFLw3bg/s4032/CA808CE5-CBAF-40BD-AA19-CC40E61AD9BB.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS1lTeIb6J2Fea-W90WPlO6NDFSBy5CKS4cUvTQ45IFzL6AXPeU-s2YalF8hhRIXVcNjrnQSVGoXSPEaBnAVC0xh61p0I-NKaAMHX3OXl2BbUvDyB-X9nqfYCNXEG-nHvhg7uzwb1Z04VWcl0rXajp1zIhnbTrtiC86coDAMWiy951P6ORt3cFLw3bg/w267-h356/CA808CE5-CBAF-40BD-AA19-CC40E61AD9BB.heic" width="267" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk-vGKsmkXa05p-LVMIYLTGSSHqFVdNfom6lL2h6k-NTnLarlHQtCCyVn91E_gHaQjKBDJ4EjmyYay2Bh88Ww29byi4ozn4pJn2h5yus5Ou6Chuu0lMrmSzFhLV-notWRMioLA_ldzVWSI10zC9mzSArnSDR-X50BLvVGy4azI2Iq9EYB4Cm4FhIolg/s689/990CD0DE-11E4-4A53-85FF-E36145E9166A_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="606" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkk-vGKsmkXa05p-LVMIYLTGSSHqFVdNfom6lL2h6k-NTnLarlHQtCCyVn91E_gHaQjKBDJ4EjmyYay2Bh88Ww29byi4ozn4pJn2h5yus5Ou6Chuu0lMrmSzFhLV-notWRMioLA_ldzVWSI10zC9mzSArnSDR-X50BLvVGy4azI2Iq9EYB4Cm4FhIolg/s320/990CD0DE-11E4-4A53-85FF-E36145E9166A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="281" /></a></div><p>52) Spending New Year's with kids super excited to stay up to midnight - it's crazy seeing your kids get older, but it such a joy and I'm glad to finish a new year and start 2023.</p></div>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-52866342684768777742022-06-25T09:31:00.001-05:002022-06-25T09:31:33.718-05:00Politics shouldn't be this important<div>Politics wasn't something I talked about with my high school friends. It didn't come up on the basketball team. It didn't come up when going to see movies or play ping pong with my friends. It just wasn't a considering factor in my life. I vaguely remember the 2000 election, but didn't track it and didn't really care who won. </div><div><br /></div><div>Politics wasn't a factor in where I went to college. I heard about Miami University being a "conservative school" but that didn't really matter much.</div><div><br /></div><div>Politics didn't matter when I was deciding who to date in college. I didn't ask or care who my college girlfriend voted for in the previous election. </div><div><br /></div><div>Politics didn't matter when I was deciding who to date in my first job out of college. It was more of a factor than in college, but even then it was still more of a curiosity than anything else.</div><div><br /></div><div>Politics wasn't something something M and I discussed when deciding to move from Minnesota to Ohio. I knew that Ohio was a "swing state" that at the time of the move had gone +5% for Obama in 2008. At the time I probably wouldn't have wanted to move to an extremely red state, but really I doubt I would have wanted to move to an extremely blue state either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it does matter. I wish it didn't. I wish I could go back to the time periods discussed before. I can't stand finding out about how Republican rigged elections in 2010 in Ohio. (Please read David Daley's account of that in this <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Ratf--ked-David-Daley-audiobook/dp/B01HU2X7BE/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1QREUCERSGEE&keywords=David+Daley&qid=1656166162&sprefix=david+daley%2Caps%2C66&sr=8-2">excellent book on gerrymandering</a>.) I don't know if I will ever get over how Mitch McConnell just didn't even have a hearing on Merrick Garland, but was completely fine with rushing to confirm Amy Comey Barrett. I've read more <a href="https://www.vox.com/21142223/electoral-college-2020-election-jesse-wegman">about the electoral college</a> and find it an absolutely insane way of electing a president. Things like voter suppression laws or <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2020/10/19/texas-mail-in-ballots-signatures/">not counting votes because signatures don't match</a> are undemocratic. Trying to overturn the 2020 election both with violence and more importantly through actual votes (<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/07/us/elections/electoral-college-biden-objectors.html">147 congressional Republicans voted to overturn the election</a>). Holding a <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/24/opinion/orban-hungary-cpac-republicans.html">huge conservative conference in a country (Hungary)</a> that somewhere between an <a href="https://www.vox.com/23009757/hungary-election-results-april-3-2022-orban-putin">actual democracy and an authoritarian rule</a> is sad and worrisome. It is something that once you learn about is extremely hard to unlearn. There seems to be one side that extremely cruel (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cruelty-Point-Present-Future-America/dp/B08N86T56C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33I29S75IGW5P&keywords=the+cruelty+is+the+point&qid=1656167364&s=audible&sprefix=the+cruelty+is+the+point%2Caudible%2C76&sr=1-1">Adam Server's book the Cruelty is the Point </a>is worth reading) and dedicated to operating in bad faith, with a distrust of American citizens and generally a warped sense of reality.</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't gotten into what's been the result of the above paragraph, but as I write this today I don't feel great about the future for my two daughters. I could go on and on (do we really think more guns will make things safer....really?) about the implications, but that's not really the points I am trying to make. The two main points are:</div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Things aren't fair and not just in a "sometimes bad luck happens" kind of way. They aren't fair because of deliberative actions that are overwhelmingly done by one politcal party. It's hard to have a functioning democracy when only one 1 of the 2 political parties cares.</li><li>I really wish politics didn't matter as much. This should be a boring conversation about top marginal tax rates and zoning. Heck I would even take the old conversations about who was "better to get a beer with" in regards to presidential candidates. I used to somewhat enjoy debating politics with people. Now it's just an echo chamber from people that agree with me or people who believe that climate change is just a hoax by George Soros and the Chinese government. </li></ol><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, it makes me frustrated / upset / worried to live in a country where politics seems to matter this much. I could add more to that, especially after the recent decisions from the Supreme Court, but in the interest of time I am going to leave this be for a little bit. </div></div>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-82931829002926611102021-12-31T21:23:00.003-06:002022-12-29T08:23:07.360-06:0052 Things I enjoyed about 2021In attempt to find joy in the objectively bad year of 2020, I came up with a list of<a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2020/12/52-things-i-enjoyed-about-2020.html"> 52 Things I enjoyed about the year</a>. I felt like was a worthwhile exercise and something I wanted to do again this year. Similar to last year I have different sections. This list is in no particular order. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Trips</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>1) Gatlinburg - it's hard to plan trips during the pre-vaccine time period of Covid. The big things we wanted were 1) no flights 2) outdoor activities 3) plenty to do at the place we stayed. Gatlinburg ended up being perfect because we got a place that was specifically built for Airbnb customers...a place with a hot tub, indoor swimming pool, game room, movie room, etc. The kids loved the pool and we could spend most of our time at the place with our close friends. </div><div><br /></div><div>2) Goatcoasters - our favorite part of the Gatlinburg trip was easily the Goatcoasters that were close to our house. I didn't know how L & J would do with something like this considering up till that point they seemed scared of any type of rollercoaster. (Example: L couldn't stand the rollercoaster at Disney World a few years ago.) Anyway, both kids absolutely loved it and we ended up riding it a few times over. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmlfe0mlQXVASJ2JQElfqxHtDACnkiZqiv5UtyD8MHKQJIsyIcdx88tsbwlehJjotq4i9uHaYJ3Hk78HUd3-hibYp6uInMIebCd2ZHcTPYhuUtnbosTlynH-AZVl9vpV3_Yh6zRA5YyfcRL6475DY2ME-QItwxrV11G9SstrLY0K-cuvWAnlsc-LmmUQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmlfe0mlQXVASJ2JQElfqxHtDACnkiZqiv5UtyD8MHKQJIsyIcdx88tsbwlehJjotq4i9uHaYJ3Hk78HUd3-hibYp6uInMIebCd2ZHcTPYhuUtnbosTlynH-AZVl9vpV3_Yh6zRA5YyfcRL6475DY2ME-QItwxrV11G9SstrLY0K-cuvWAnlsc-LmmUQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>3) Florida trip - we went down to 30A for a big family trip and again centered the trip around 1) a nice place 2) pool. It's good that we did because the beach was less than ideal due to crowds and this new restriction where beach front areas are now treated as private beaches. We had a small (maybe 20 yards wide) area where we could set up at the beach, which made it even better that the house / pool were outstanding. One of my favorites from this trip was going out a nice outdoor meal at a place that was so good we ended up going twice. Also, I really enjoyed playing baseball with L and my nephews during the sunset time period.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCXwGCgYDVqAW901Tu9V9bqfPIy3-A0mdaOgtPsgQgDKngBUcyYhRvH9oLeg-vopjbLsK5uT7dI7iZFJTSzcz3dRbLUTqzFsOZNuPSMM9ZB61xyxlQVj5S_r5nFDEeo-xX1PkAxn4YPVmVkg9OQlZDd4LR9o7QuT7zxLcD0BfdWXM_FR95HtpwnQiuyQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCXwGCgYDVqAW901Tu9V9bqfPIy3-A0mdaOgtPsgQgDKngBUcyYhRvH9oLeg-vopjbLsK5uT7dI7iZFJTSzcz3dRbLUTqzFsOZNuPSMM9ZB61xyxlQVj5S_r5nFDEeo-xX1PkAxn4YPVmVkg9OQlZDd4LR9o7QuT7zxLcD0BfdWXM_FR95HtpwnQiuyQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>4) Bucks in 6 - this could be in the sports section, but one of the best things about the trip was being able to watch games 5 & 6 of the NBA Finals with my nephews. Game 5 had the amazing steal and the alley-app dunk from Holiday to Giannis that literally ended with one of my nephews on the floor from celebrating too much. Game 6 was an all time NBA performance as Giannis had 50 points. Watching those games and that Finals in general was an unexpected joy.</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Miami trip - I've been a Dolphins fan since I was a child rooting on Dan Marino, but for some reason had never actually seen a Dolphins home game. I made a plan with one of my closest friends (who also happens randomly to be a Dolphins fan) to remedy that situation this year. We planned a trip in December to see Dolphins / Giants. I invited a few friends and we cobbled together a guys' trip. The Dolphins won, the trip was well planned and we had a great time.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Q6Knv0xH3_IHhNf56isjTIysTW3uzSrzi-WgcVvieZWtAiprViQw_Xiv4jiiyU5OtvV5Vh1LuvthGeZrQCTEpadNvDnpWHbc6VXug24yOUepCykhhYV-Qn2vOGq1ertCpziThRvXpj5w1VTNywMbV05Yrrhr72VUngOZ71Ekj4FmSN2GZxkRId4fXQ=s1330" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3Q6Knv0xH3_IHhNf56isjTIysTW3uzSrzi-WgcVvieZWtAiprViQw_Xiv4jiiyU5OtvV5Vh1LuvthGeZrQCTEpadNvDnpWHbc6VXug24yOUepCykhhYV-Qn2vOGq1ertCpziThRvXpj5w1VTNywMbV05Yrrhr72VUngOZ71Ekj4FmSN2GZxkRId4fXQ=s320" width="311" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>6) Back to flying in general - From January 2020 to September 2021 I didn't go on a single flight....since then I've been on a flight every month after. As a common theme throughout this post it was nice to get back to normal.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Family</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>7) Meeting baby Otis - It's hard to know the exact last time you ever do something, but for baby Otis there is likely a 99% chance this is the last family baby for both my wife's family or my family. It is wonderful having a new baby in the family and I look forward to seeing him grow up. </div><div><br /></div><div>8) Meeting baby June - one of my closest friends from high school had her first baby this year and it was wonderful being able to meet baby June. I know it's a cliche, but you forget how small and cute babies are until you hold a new one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZuoWdCOVVr5XPlXC7YnTeXIXQ84bgXrRNABfgKFVEqIMEyjka8z8sQ8gcFKIhUdLZlULf-7pQrykRrGHw-Dod6pcxwmDjfzGDAuUnpaKiWVccseNbk8EiGIHzTwrCMqEB4-OplIEcWsuMx3E5FGIPaqDTkKDmPWFd_3tvlg3402-Y8le_6CMMhlUHYw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZuoWdCOVVr5XPlXC7YnTeXIXQ84bgXrRNABfgKFVEqIMEyjka8z8sQ8gcFKIhUdLZlULf-7pQrykRrGHw-Dod6pcxwmDjfzGDAuUnpaKiWVccseNbk8EiGIHzTwrCMqEB4-OplIEcWsuMx3E5FGIPaqDTkKDmPWFd_3tvlg3402-Y8le_6CMMhlUHYw=s320" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>9) J going to school - with our youngest child now in the public school just one block away from our house, we are officially finished with daycare. The benefits of this include the fact that daycare is expensive and it was slightly challenging managing two different schedules since daycare / school had different spring breaks and certain holidays. Also, J was given the kindergarten teacher that L had and one we really liked. This seems to be a great move and one that J has adjusted to very well.</div><div><br /></div><div>10) Baseball with L - one somewhat random thing that we picked up this year was L really enjoying hitting plastic baseballs with a plastic bat. She is small for her age, but has a really impressive (in my completely biased opinion) swing.</div><div><br /></div><div>11) Creeking with the girls - we tried to do more outdoor activities this year and one of those was going to explore the various Metro Parks around Columbus. The kids absolutely loved going into the creek and looking for crawfish. Most of the time we did this on our own and would spend hours hiking, getting muddy, making up games, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg6Ul07qI3ruWOPSZxqORXRapAwwzVAJLgpy9NLmzz6MpQNfRXO-6Lj2Clac_ehHrB5nRLrH3p0XbA6g2OaiY-0CPewitunYRSm6AlDjCA9SmzJ-SDoNKP97YtfH0QBK-bLxnu07_seii0QvkhOO_6k6kSUPoAVhfgccL44yp5HdQrdH1u0yTJZTQT_w=s3285" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3285" data-original-width="1984" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg6Ul07qI3ruWOPSZxqORXRapAwwzVAJLgpy9NLmzz6MpQNfRXO-6Lj2Clac_ehHrB5nRLrH3p0XbA6g2OaiY-0CPewitunYRSm6AlDjCA9SmzJ-SDoNKP97YtfH0QBK-bLxnu07_seii0QvkhOO_6k6kSUPoAVhfgccL44yp5HdQrdH1u0yTJZTQT_w=s320" width="193" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>12) J's personality - last year I wrote about how one of things I loved about the year was the age 4....well the good news is that the age of 5 is pretty amazing as well. For those of you with toddlers just stay the course (not that you have a choice) and get to the other side because 4 & 5 are just amazing ages. I'm finally at the point with my kids that I would be fine with them staying this age forever. </div><div><br /></div><div>13) Sledding in February - one random winter day with a ton of snow we took the kids (and their cousins) sledding near the Franklin Park Conservatory and just had a blast! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7q0Vijs7GvTx1USY51UQ5wMhyDRFfbcHHgTDGkhi-MqkkPaVnQGviDLgbVtQZtjYuxPdxversIHQXXfu17490FVutp5vkjbvOwP4NMlf2p1WIgIBUCsz11m2JS3fXsJhSoEozb9AfEH8rD2C6DFuUpVcE4gOeEg_cNRPtsSDhLKYJFtXVvY5w0soaWQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7q0Vijs7GvTx1USY51UQ5wMhyDRFfbcHHgTDGkhi-MqkkPaVnQGviDLgbVtQZtjYuxPdxversIHQXXfu17490FVutp5vkjbvOwP4NMlf2p1WIgIBUCsz11m2JS3fXsJhSoEozb9AfEH8rD2C6DFuUpVcE4gOeEg_cNRPtsSDhLKYJFtXVvY5w0soaWQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>14) Team Melon - I signed up to be a coach on J's soccer team and ended up getting placed as head coach. This was a surprise, but a very good one as I got to lead a team of U6 soccer players to a very successful year. We had a really great group of kids and it was fun seeing them improve at soccer throughout the year. I think we all had fun....and not just doing our team cheer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVmJwG74qpD8sOQcDgtdp9kLZSJirsA0-3McnSEBOqrs0suv_S-WXIYXACWv4fOwwtTvTjjGq18sDAazx61X82m2fmvJWxF8hwwyfJFX1bqBZu-cFuf1LF11ldt56ks7f0QvOxEzRmV6Iymn9md-bZ6MLEgTjHNN3EYapddeQE8jWGkgCrV-V4fvV0-g=s1647" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="1625" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVmJwG74qpD8sOQcDgtdp9kLZSJirsA0-3McnSEBOqrs0suv_S-WXIYXACWv4fOwwtTvTjjGq18sDAazx61X82m2fmvJWxF8hwwyfJFX1bqBZu-cFuf1LF11ldt56ks7f0QvOxEzRmV6Iymn9md-bZ6MLEgTjHNN3EYapddeQE8jWGkgCrV-V4fvV0-g=s320" width="316" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>15) Hearing my kids are kind in school - during our talks with L & J's teachers they both commented on how L & J are kind kids. That is awesome to hear and something that I hope is part of their permanent personality.</div><div><br /></div><div>16) Picking up the kids at school at 4pm almost every day - my work schedule combined with both of them going to the same school and the proximity of the school to our home (1 block) means the default pickup time is 4pm. This is great in that it gives the kids about an hour of aftercare (which they seem to enjoy playing with their friends on the playground) plus some down time at home before dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div>17) Zoo day with J - on a random day in May when M & L had another activity I took J to the Columbus Zoo. We spent about 7 hours just enjoying the animals, playgrounds, train rides, etc. With no other activities going on that day we could just linger on whatever thing we found interesting. It was such a joy to just have a relaxing day with my youngest. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0T1DBPCCS7rd77wZfdwAEuN7sP5btJD2mSsB3nuDWdQf24Y3hStSlM6r38EWt4fYUFv_2Mo0XMiqmFufVDV24Q-Pp4ckBR5T_8FBCz-wazUU6vca0iaVEvxVUlsjkm5ncs5yZxZgFHcDfolV6O7oKikpTV2OOJrxGttaFbAJ_1Dyn-9bKGq4QByRtg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiZ0T1DBPCCS7rd77wZfdwAEuN7sP5btJD2mSsB3nuDWdQf24Y3hStSlM6r38EWt4fYUFv_2Mo0XMiqmFufVDV24Q-Pp4ckBR5T_8FBCz-wazUU6vca0iaVEvxVUlsjkm5ncs5yZxZgFHcDfolV6O7oKikpTV2OOJrxGttaFbAJ_1Dyn-9bKGq4QByRtg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div>18) No one in the family got COVID - this should go without writing, but the fact that nobody in our family got COVID is somewhat of a miracle.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Food</b></div><div><br /></div><div>19) Coffee - it's such a joy coming down from getting ready and see a pot of coffee ready. It helps me mentally get ready for the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>20) New smoker - for my birthday this year I got a new <a href="https://pitbarrelcooker.com">Pit Barrel Cooker</a> and I've now smoked ribs, brisket and a pork shoulder. I would highly recommend this if someone enjoys even the idea of smoking meat. </div><div><br /></div><div>21) Cookies from Carter's - this year I interviewed for a new role at Carter's and during the interview process I got something completely unexpected (see below). I thought that was such a nice touch and while I was already certain I was going to accept the job (if offered) this really helped make me feel comfortable with the decision.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPGDZ6Z9Zt9u0MztnD5zwzPoB18_7_AyVCC8bWTCitStMkc6lfJj30cSmySDF2Yh5OuHAhP_j8mY79Bt3dLwasKog17NJamDnNgE-6HCg8rjy3_WQNfkAUbzuB8l63fBH3Tc_fbX7Hz6PyegAdXM0cFeXGskmZUjdYBFpcAc7NoT3GAbuhjVphvf9ZQg=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPGDZ6Z9Zt9u0MztnD5zwzPoB18_7_AyVCC8bWTCitStMkc6lfJj30cSmySDF2Yh5OuHAhP_j8mY79Bt3dLwasKog17NJamDnNgE-6HCg8rjy3_WQNfkAUbzuB8l63fBH3Tc_fbX7Hz6PyegAdXM0cFeXGskmZUjdYBFpcAc7NoT3GAbuhjVphvf9ZQg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>22) Lemon drink from M - occasionally for cocktail hour M will make me this lemon cocktail that is wonderful and a nice change of pace from the normal whiskey and coke or wine. </div><div><br /></div><div>23) The steak at Forno - maybe the best one meal in Columbus is a steak at this Short North restaurant that isn't even known for steaks. It is a "petit filet in a gruyere mornay sauce" and it's the type of meal that I continue to look back fondly on. </div><div><br /></div><div>24) Skyline - my kids absolutely love Skyline on roadtrips (strange food choice, but they love the pasta with cheese) and I absolutely love Skyline pretty much anytime. The only real issue is trying to decide between 3 or 4 cheese coneys. </div><div><br /></div><div>25) Takeout from Del Mar - my favorite newish restaurant in Columbus was a Cameron Mitchell seafood place in the Short North named Del Mar. It felt different and I would recommend ordering the fish sandwich or the crispy skate.</div><div><br /></div><div>26) Baking with the kids - L & J really took a liking to cooking this year with a special interest in baking. They will make their own cakes without a recipe and the result is a slightly sweet / dense cake that they love. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Misc</b></div><div><br /></div><div>27) New job! I wrote about <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2021/07/new-job.html">this in July</a>, but I am very happy to be at Carter's working as the Senior Manager of Testing there. I truly love Testing and am happy with the culture at Carter's. </div><div><br /></div><div>28) Vaccines- in March of this year I got a text from a friend saying there were vaccines available 2 hours south of Columbus in Pike County, Ohio. I reached out to the health services in Pike County and was able to get an appointment on a Friday for M and I. This was such a welcome development, and I was impressed with how easy it was. To recap it was 1) free 2) took a total of about 20 minutes (including the 15 minutes waiting in the car after) 3) helped me feel significantly more comfortable getting back to a "normal" life. This list isn't in order of importance, but if it was this might be number one.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD602JVBxTzsMG6_vIIzgEmwrrlkR7z3rIwvQd5u8g3qsm-AuYKMj3BzPBXtYH_oDov2js8Bq705DeVAD9lgmPtmYAe7YXGakeEr5ivM_fLaUTjDLsDpKfAwpdEgUCpQgDFG8rEdBzm0Usvn8AyXtXohXQhdwsvsf9p2vtpevN51fLqAfIA-xbWZTe4A=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD602JVBxTzsMG6_vIIzgEmwrrlkR7z3rIwvQd5u8g3qsm-AuYKMj3BzPBXtYH_oDov2js8Bq705DeVAD9lgmPtmYAe7YXGakeEr5ivM_fLaUTjDLsDpKfAwpdEgUCpQgDFG8rEdBzm0Usvn8AyXtXohXQhdwsvsf9p2vtpevN51fLqAfIA-xbWZTe4A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>29) Vaccines for the kids - the only difference from the above point is that we didn't have to drive to Pike County, and we had to promise ice cream after the shot. </div><div><br /></div><div>30) New job - starting at a new company can be challenging, but so far I really enjoy the people and the culture at Carter's.</div><div><br /></div><div>31) Strong retail sales - this has been a great year to be in retail with sales far exceeding plans for many companies. This has led to nice bonuses and additional job opportunities (like the one above). After a truly dreadful 2020 with stores closed, I appreciate swimming with rather than against the tide.</div><div><br /></div><div>32) Working remotely - There are pros and cons to working remotely, but my opinion is that at this time of my life the pros vastly outweigh the cons. I am fortunate that I found a company that allows me to work remotely permanently.</div><div><br /></div><div>33) Chickens - I speculated in last year's post that we would get more animals and our big acquisition this year were 5 chickens from L's 2nd grade class. We couldn't keep roosters, so we were left with three hens. Every morning we let them out and every night we make sure they are safe. In between we fill their water, throw them scratch and generally just enjoy being a chicken family. Very random, but it has worked for our family. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEims1kEDRFe0JsqhmahCptddwazTS2RyNKSXhN1rVPrwM6s-puvz0MeNGE57uHoN7Afw542EfpeuHL4Yaq8u6yNmP5rSvhYQ_yegu1x5OZKPNx5gsk2CiyS5qNyW4TxgA_1PrKlZY5zMKIQ90laPx_anDdc0KEB6Nya2X01OvML5m3gU4_6kEMlQrfu4w=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEims1kEDRFe0JsqhmahCptddwazTS2RyNKSXhN1rVPrwM6s-puvz0MeNGE57uHoN7Afw542EfpeuHL4Yaq8u6yNmP5rSvhYQ_yegu1x5OZKPNx5gsk2CiyS5qNyW4TxgA_1PrKlZY5zMKIQ90laPx_anDdc0KEB6Nya2X01OvML5m3gU4_6kEMlQrfu4w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>34) Jackson fixed the potholes - During my trips to Mississippi I enjoy walking in the neighborhood near my parents house. When I visited over the summer the walks always took me past epic potholes that you might expect to see in some dystopian novel about a failed city. However, when I came back in October the potholes were fixed! My Jackson friends assure me that doesn't mean all Jackson potholes have been fixed, but still I take this as a small sign of progress.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Entertainment </b></div><div><br /></div><div>35) Reading Craig Calcaterra - every morning I get the "cup of coffee" thoughts from Ohio resident & baseball fan Craig Calcaterra. I appreciate his recaps on baseball, thoughts on local politics and general writing style.</div><div><br /></div><div>36) Joe Posnanski Browns Diary - this is a repeat from last year, but this year's Browns diary has been especially amazing considering how up and down this year has been. It's become a Monday tradition to read about how the Browns should give the ball more to Nick Chubb, which might not sound exciting to others but I find to be interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>37) Kacey Musgraves - my daughters (especially my oldest) LOVE Kacey Musgraves and it is fun putting on her music. My favorite songs are Space Cowboy, Biscuits and Butterflies. </div><div><br /></div><div>38) Cruel Summer (TV show) - my favorite show of the year was probably Hulu's intense teenage drama Cruel Summer. It was set over 3 years where the storyline progressed concurrently - meaning that each episode would should progression in the three years (1993, 1994 and 1995) it was set. Anyway, it was extremely entertaining and I felt like it did a perfect job of being intense without being too campy. </div><div><br /></div><div>39) Introducing my nephew to Oscar to Risk - Risk was one of my absolute favorite games as a kid and it was fun playing it with my nephew. I am hoping we can have some long (and with Risk it will be long) games in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>40) No Filter (book) - my favorite book of the year was easily No Filter by Sarah Frier. The book takes you inside the rise of Instagram and while the subject matter is different it reminded of reading Bad Blood by John Carreyrou. It was interesting to see how Instagram was created, the origin of the filters and how the company introduced ads after being acquired by Facebook. I highly recommend this book. </div><div><br /></div><div>41) The moral clarity of reading Adam Serwer - his articles in the Atlantic about the Supreme Court, Robert E Lee and American democracy are concise, thoughtful and clear. Serwer tackles a subject head on and doesn't seem to get distracted by irrelevant details or distractions. If I could have every politician read one writer it would be Adam Serwer. </div><div><br /></div><div>42) Imposters (Tv show) - I found the acting, plot line, etc from this show on Netflix to be riveting. My advice would be to try the first episode and if you don't like it then don't waste your time with any more episodes. I thought it started off strong and maintained it all the way through 2 enjoyable seasons. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Sports</b></div><div><br /></div><div>43) The return of crowds at sporting events. There will be more to come in terms of individual games I went, but just in general the return of crowds has been a huge improvement in 2021. I am sure eventually I will get used to it, but the contrast with 2020 made this year so much better. Places like Cameron Indoor Stadium just aren't the same without the fans. I felt like college basketball, college football and the NBA suffered the most without fans, but really everything seems better with people in the stands.</div><div><br /></div><div>44) Crossing two new stadiums off the list - as you can guess from the blog title, one big thing is to go to a game at every major league stadium. This year I was lucky enough to go see Braves and Phillies home games. In a sign of my age, I've now been to 3 stadiums (Fulton-County Stadium, Turner Field and Truist Park) in Atlanta. As it currently stands, I've been to 25 of the 30 stadiums and only am missing games at Tampa, Boston, Oakland, Arizona and Texas. (I've been to a game at Arlington Stadium, but completely missed the 25 years the Rangers played at the Ballpark in Arlington)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTZea6XWkrEF7XLjn6M-HkYf9sN6PwlqXN5gWKF7LmJFLdCWgNyYn2osx8-bGTMe6y0HPopPJryt6kufVJBc5pLUvm2z5foCD7m185ZdlEHeDosa_SMOq3P1y5ucDFcyNq94SSHHBwB9KMou4xhM2LB-ITfU_l-XyhKeDwp4rgrq3F-YyOd6LBQsb97g=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTZea6XWkrEF7XLjn6M-HkYf9sN6PwlqXN5gWKF7LmJFLdCWgNyYn2osx8-bGTMe6y0HPopPJryt6kufVJBc5pLUvm2z5foCD7m185ZdlEHeDosa_SMOq3P1y5ucDFcyNq94SSHHBwB9KMou4xhM2LB-ITfU_l-XyhKeDwp4rgrq3F-YyOd6LBQsb97g=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>45) Cooper Kupp - I've always loved watching Kupp play and tried to get him in fantasy with often mixed results. I'm glad I kept the faith and drafted him in both leagues. He has obliterated his competition and is easily the fantasy football MVP. He led me two 1st place regular season finishes and many moments of joy through the season</div><div><br /></div><div>46) Great baseball players - I saw the top two National League players (Bryce Harper and Juan Sota) and the top three American League players (Shohei Ohtani, Vlad Guerrero Jr and Marcus Semien) plus other great players like Jose Ramirez, Freedie Freeman and Joey Votto. </div><div><br /></div><div>47) Steph Curry - I've only seen Curry play once before and that was in between his breakout performance at my sister's school (Davidson) and his many MVP years in the NBA. Considering he is playing at an MVP performance this year I made sure to mark on my calendar when he was playing in Cleveland. I got a decent seat (1st row in the upper level) and saw Curry go for 40 points and the <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/recap?gameId=401360048">Warriors outscored the Cavs 36-8 in the 4th quarter for a comeback win</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>48) First Ole Miss Game - <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2021/10/how-i-got-my-grove-back.html">I've written about this in detai</a>l, so if you want to check it out feel free.</div><div><br /></div><div>49) Baseball Hall of Fame - my sister's family planned a summer roadtrip that had them going through Cooperstown. I was lucky enough to get the time off and visit the Baseball HOF with them. This had been something on my 40 before 40 list and it absolutely lives up to my expectation. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBTB8Wb8_-MCbvJP7lubIKSWUKqSJ3x79r67qeQPR5llKs5mTtgHaQJ1Qyk1eydbQ4jMuphsa1MWVHZAZvcFKCfPZhBZJGkriPP8SO0tJJ7tCVh3Gw3u7S1pkJNCydGtp3mxc0tXz9_zOSJnFFoCD4kBv85iTV7flSdbe3bNcgQ4EqaAScsH3Et0uBbw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBTB8Wb8_-MCbvJP7lubIKSWUKqSJ3x79r67qeQPR5llKs5mTtgHaQJ1Qyk1eydbQ4jMuphsa1MWVHZAZvcFKCfPZhBZJGkriPP8SO0tJJ7tCVh3Gw3u7S1pkJNCydGtp3mxc0tXz9_zOSJnFFoCD4kBv85iTV7flSdbe3bNcgQ4EqaAScsH3Et0uBbw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>50) Jevon Holland - the Miami Dolphins 2020 draft had many misses, but the 2021 draft has looked to be very good and the main reason for this might be the 2nd round pick Jevon Holland. I hadn't heard about him before the draft and really wanted them to get a running back, but after watching Holland play, I can see why they made this move. Holland is officially on "jersey watch" as someone who could lead the Dolphins defense for the next 5 years. </div><div><br /></div><div>51) The general competence of the Utah Jazz - while this year produced two of the most painful losses in my sports history (Games 5 & 6 against the Clippers), it is still awesome to watch a team that is very good. Besides some mistakes (passing on Bane) they generally do the correct thing. Draft players like Gobert / Mitchell, signing Bojan and picking up players like O'Neale have led to a team that was amazing last year and good again this year. I love seeing a team that is run well with likable players. They seem like they are in control both on the court and with their off court decisions. In contrast to the dysfunction of other teams it is just a nice change of pace.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>52) The Waddle Waddle - the Dolphins have completely turned around their season and one reason why has been the great play for Jaylen Waddle. One fun thing is that after he scores a touchdown he does a penguin waddle. You can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxAFWCMpRYE">see it here </a>or even buy a <a href="https://breakingt.com/collections/featured-breakingt-shirts/products/jaylen-waddle-everybody-do-the-waddle">t-shirt of the Waddle Waddle</a>.</div>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-39182172865327651622021-10-18T17:36:00.000-05:002021-10-18T17:36:15.049-05:00How I got my Grove back<p><span style="color: #1d2228; font-family: arial;">Individual decisions or moments can all make sense on a one-off basis, but somehow when you look at them in total they defy belief. For example in any given year the odds of the Dolphins winning a playoff game should be less than 50%...but how does that add up to 21 consecutive years of the Dolphins not winning a playoff game. (Unfortunately the same example applies to one of my other favorite teams as the Minnesota Twins have lost 18 straight playoff games. Losing one playoff game makes sense, but 18 in a row is impossible.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1d2228;">As a sports obsessed native Mississippian it is hard to believe that up until Saturday I had never been to an Ole Miss football game. Just like the above it makes sense that any given year I would have been busy or it wouldn't have made sense to travel from Minnesota / Ohio to northern Mississippi, but over the course of 38 years it just doesn't make sense. A few years ago I decided to add “go to an Ole Miss game” on my 40 before 40 list, but really it took COVID (and the great pause with sports) to give me the proper motivation to actually do something about it. And if I was going to do it, I wanted to do it right and not just try to check a box. Doing it right in this case meant reaching out to one of my closest friends and enlisting her and her wonderful husband’s help in planning the trip. They were uniquely qualified for a few reasons:</span></span></p><span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228; font-family: arial;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>They both went to Ole Miss</li><li>They had a spot / tent in the Grove to tailgate</li><li>Matt happens to be a bigger Ole Miss fan than anyone is a fan of anything</li></ol></span><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1d2228;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40);">The next step was picking the game. I didn’t want to come see Ole Miss cross some directional school (and as a graduate from a MAC school this is no disrespect to small or mid-sized schools) or lose by 40 to Alabama. It was hard to know how good Ole Miss would be coming into the season, but I thought picking a mid-level SEC opponent would make the most sense. And the mid-level SEC opponent just happened to be a school (Arkansas) that has produced some of the strangest games in college football history. So I had the right people, the right game and all things lined up for a great experience. </span></span></span></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So how was it?</span></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Absolutely.</span></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Amazing.</span></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228;"><span style="font-family: arial;">First off the game was exactly what you would expect from an Arkansas / Ole Miss game.<a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=401282100"> The teams combined for 1287 yards and 103 points</a>. It isn’t fair to say it came down to the last second because the game actually came down to one untimed play that determined which team won. Here are some notes:</span></p><span style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228; font-family: arial;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There were two players currently projected to be <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-defense-dominates-top-10-washington-takes-first-qb-in-weak-class-at-no-11/">1<sup>st</sup> round picks in the 2022 NFL draft</a>: Ole Miss’s QB Matt Corral and Arkansas’s receiver Treylon Burks. Both players looked unstoppable </li><li>6 (!!!) players rushed for over 80 yards. It didn’t seem to matter who was running the ball because they could get 5-10 yards every single time</li><li>Arkansas’s QB played a great game with both his passes and his runs. I looked him up and he was born May 20<sup>th</sup>, 2001…..which is right around the same time I was graduating high school. </li><li>Some of the long throws from Matt Corral were majestic and it was easy to see why he is going to be a 1<sup>st</sup> round pick</li><li>There is special amount of pressure when its an 11am game and the tailigating is going to happen after the game. It was hard not to think about how salty people would be if Ole Miss lost. </li><li>The play came down to a 2 point conversion attempt by Arkansas after they scored a TD with no time on the clock. It was absolutely the right call because neither team’s defense looked great, but for some reason Arkansas tried a rollout pass. There didn’t seem to be a great play design and the ball fell harmlessly to the ground. </li><li>The level of joy / relief in seeing that ball and the overall quality of play made this one of the best games I’ve ever attended. It’s not up to the 2015 National Title or Game 163, but wow that was such a great game. If you want to see a picture of pure joy check out my seatmate / host for the weekend:</li></ul><div><br /></div></span><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); clear: both; color: #1d2228; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EnbQiYuTvc/YW3lb_7PrQI/AAAAAAAABL0/JAAA2bYFHSc80Kr6Sp90-R3uIhXUak8qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/BC843866-B6ED-491E-82B2-A664CE2C769D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EnbQiYuTvc/YW3lb_7PrQI/AAAAAAAABL0/JAAA2bYFHSc80Kr6Sp90-R3uIhXUak8qwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/BC843866-B6ED-491E-82B2-A664CE2C769D.heic" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><span style="color: #1d2228;">After the game we all went to the Grove. The Grove is consistently rated as one of the top tailgating experiences in college football and it lived up to the hype. Again I felt lucky to be with people who actually knew what they were doing, which meant organizing the food, drinks and having a tent. It was awesome to walk around enjoying a libation while talking to people I used to know (a few from high school) and strangers I just met. Below is a picture of the crew I was Groving (not one person ever said that, but I am going to assume that it will take off after this post) with. </span></span><p></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-u25oGgjwU/YW3mE2nHdKI/AAAAAAAABL8/ESnqpgh6NAgjAEL3AMXrMugEXr-6OceOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/4DA434DB-ECDE-403B-860A-8216EFCB18A0.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m-u25oGgjwU/YW3mE2nHdKI/AAAAAAAABL8/ESnqpgh6NAgjAEL3AMXrMugEXr-6OceOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/4DA434DB-ECDE-403B-860A-8216EFCB18A0.heic" width="320" /></a></span></div><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">A few noteworthy experiences from after the game. The Grove is huge party with many social interactions. </span></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">There is a rhythm to interacting in Mississippi and I tried my best to remember the appropriate cadence of my home state.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I can talk football with anyone, but I had to remember I was squarely in SEC country. At one point I tried to explain the MAC to a friend and not only was it not successful it led to a question about if Ohio State was in the MAC.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The food was great - both at the Grove and all weekend. It started on Friday was an absolutely amazing fried chicken burrito with yellow rice and queso. That was so good that if I went back to the same place I would make the same order. It ended on Saturday night with excellent 1am chicken on a stick from a very busy gas station. In between there were many chick-fil-a chicken nuggets, brownies, sandwiches, etc. I was well-fed and Oxford as a food city lived up to its reputation. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">You want an example of free market capitalism at it's finest....it's one bar's cover being $40 and that easily being the most reasonable option. If it's Saturday night after a big game then you might as well price your cover at a high market rate. (There were enough people inside which more than justifies the pricing decision.)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I stayed at a friend's condo that was within walking distance of the stadium, Grove and Square. Mississippi is not normally filled with walkable communities, but that thankfully wasn't the case in Oxford. Part of me wonders if some Mississippians have such an affinity towards Ole Miss because it's the rare place where you don't need a car.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, it's been over a week and I am thrilled I got to go to Ole Miss for a game. It truly is a remarkable sports cultural experience. I'm lucky to have friends that were able to give me this opportunity. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #1d2228;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </p><p class="yiv6564830030MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </p>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-14815172722688631902021-07-27T17:08:00.001-05:002021-07-27T17:08:21.294-05:00The Lexus and the Pothole<p>I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. My parents still live there. Recently I actually was interviewed for an article in <a href="https://mississippitoday.org/2021/05/25/state-leaders-young-people-are-leaving-mississippi/">Mississippi Today about why millennials leave Mississippi</a>. Mississippi is my home and it is where I am writing this blog post. As I think about Mississippi I think about the contradictions that have always existed, but even seem more pronounced now. Mississippi has the nicest people in the world, but also people that continue to elect politicians like James Eastland, Tate Reeves and Cindy Hyde-Smith. </p><p>One contradiction that I keep going over is the Lexus and the pothole. I have zero data to back this up, but the Jackson area seems to have an absurd amount of luxury cars and potholes. People correctly assume Mississippi is a poor state, but it is a poor state with a ton of rich people. There seems to be extreme income inequality that produces a few logical outcomes:</p><p>-Jackson public schools have a terrible local reputation. But there are 3 good private schools in the Jackson area. (I went to one of these 3 schools)</p><p>-Jackson roads are truly awful with potholes the size of a large dog. But there are plenty of rich Mississipians avoiding their potholes in their luxury cars</p><p>-Jackson has wonderful homes, but homes that are surrounded by large gates and I assume elaborate security systems.</p><p>-Jackson has a nice Apple store - guarded by police officer with a very visible gun (so not a mall cop by any stretch).</p><p>-Mississippians are kind / wonderful people who will welcome you in a way I haven't seen living in Ohio / Minnesota. Mississippians (relative to the rest of the country) also won't get vaccinated. In the past 24 hours I've learned one friend of a friend testing positive for COVID after she refused to get vaccinated. I've learned of two incidents at work where people have come into the office unvaccinated and unmasked and later tested positive for COVID. One of those people was not vaccinated, felt sick and still came into work and eventually passed along to Cover to her coworker. </p><p>It is hard to get over the contradictions. It is hard to reconcile in my mind how much I love Mississippi but can not stand what Mississippians do. At my low moments I shake my fist at the sky and curse the individualist culture here that shows up in their votes, concerns and actions. I don't really know what else to write or if this makes much sense. It is all just so frustrating. </p>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-3725452435712584342021-07-16T08:39:00.001-05:002021-07-16T08:39:56.299-05:00New Job<p>One year ago I was working from home for a retailer (Victoria's Secret) in the Finance department. I loved the job, my team, the work and everything besides the drama that is partly COVID and partly pre-COVID related but ultimately means possible layoffs. It likely would have been smart to look for a new job instead of waiting things out, but I didn't want to proactively leave when I thoroughly enjoyed the company and trusted my leaders. </p><p>One year ago I was preparing for a family vacation to the Florida panhandle with my family. We had canceled the first trip due to COVID and only felt comfortable taking this trip due to certain precautions (we all quarantined before the trip). It wasn't the normal place we vacation, but still it was likely going to be a fun trip. </p><p>This year I am also preparing for a family vacation to the Florida panhandle with my family. COVID has thankfully calmed down considerably from last year (even though there are still people who won't get a vaccine which very much confuses me). It is the normal place we vacation and I am sure it will be a great trip.</p><p>The big difference is that I am no longer working from home. If you had given me a brief snapshot I would have thought it was because I was let go from Victoria's Secret and then didn't find a job for a year. The first part is true (I was let go), but thankfully it didn't take too long before I found a similar role at DSW. The reason I am no longer working from home is that I quit my job at DSW. I am grateful for the opportunity they gave me and all that I learned, but the reason I could quit was I found a better job leading Testing at Carter's. </p><p>It has been a very strange journey with Carter's. Originally the role needed to be based in Atlanta and I thought it would be my last conversation with them when I said that I needed to be located in Columbus. That changed and now I am going to be fully remote (with trips to Atlanta 6 times a year). I set up a desk / office space yesterday (I've been working from a cardboard table for 1.5 years) and now I am ready to go. The people at Carter's seem like exact kind of coworkers I loved at Victoria's Secret / Honeywell - they are smart, personable, funny and they ask challenging questions without coming across negatively. </p><p><br /></p>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-71848199617374465532021-06-13T18:52:00.000-05:002021-06-13T18:52:48.160-05:00The State of the Utah Jazz<p>I've been a Utah Jazz fan for a long time. I can't remember the exact date, but somewhere in the early to mid 1990s I decided that yep out of all of the NBA teams this was going to be my favorite. Now this was a strange choice considering the Jazz weren't the best team in the NBA and I lived in Jackson, Mississippi. I really liked John Stockton (thanks basketball cards) and there was an appeal in picking a very good team, but not the best test. And for the first years of my fandom things worked out very well. The Jazz went from good to really good (1997 when they lost in the NBA Finals) to really, really good (1998 when they should have won the title had they not called Eisley's shot off, made the right call on the Harper shot or called the push-off on MJ). But they didn't win the title and eventually time caught up on Stockton / Malone.</p><p>Then a strange thing happened - without Stockton / Malone the Jazz still played well. They rebuilt relatively quickly and soon they had Deron Williams, Kirilenko, Boozer and Okur. They made the Western Conference Finals in 2007 and had a few other semifinals loses. (In the same ways that the Minnesota Twins always seemed to lose to the Yankees, the Jazz always seemed to lose to the Lakers). They never won the title, but they were good and enjoyable to watch and there is value in that.</p><p>And then they had to go another rebuild - this one seemed longer than the first one, but when it was over the Jazz had two All-Star caliber players with Rudy Gobert and Gordan Hayward. They won a great playoff series against a more high-profile team (the LA Clippers) before losing in the semifinals (like the Williams / Boozer / Okur Jazz teams). Then Jazz fans suffered an amazing whiplash of Hayward leaving (and ruining the 4th of July) followed by the Jazz drafting one of the best players in franchise history - Donovan Mitchell. It seemed like the fates aligned to replace Hayward with Mitchell and everything went as scheduled. That schedule has led to always making the playoffs, but essentially knowing that the best possible scenario is winning 1-2 games in the Western Conference semifinals. </p><p>The Utah Jazz are currently up 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals. This would have been their ceiling over the past two decades, but things are different now. The Jazz finished the year with the best record in the NBA and truly have a great team. They also have gained fans with Vegas oddsmakers and analytics websites like 538. They are are the Western Conference favorite. It is the first time since 1998 that a title is a legit possibility with this team. And it is making both extremely happy and incredibly nervous. </p><p>At this very moment I am just hoping that both Mike Conley and Donavan Mitchell are healthy for Game 4 and that the Jazz can steal a win in LA. I am trying to be too upset that the Jazz have played their last three games without Mike Conley (their 3rd best player) and that Mitchell looked hurt at the end of Game 3. The Clippers are one of those "super teams" that brought together Paul George and Kawhi Leonard to win a title, so it feels like the mostly homegrown Jazz will need every single good player to play at their best to win. They seem relatively lucky to be up 2-1 despite being shorthanded. </p><p>It's dumb to get too far ahead of the series, but if the Jazz win they are very, very likely to play the Phoenix Suns. That would be an incredibly difficult series, but also one that they could win. And then they would likely play the New Jersey Nets - another incredibly difficult series, but also one that they could win. Essentially they have 3 rounds of tough games, but also games that the Jazz can win. It is the perfect combination of the Jazz being incredibly good and this year's NBA being way more open than normal. </p><p>Anyway, the Jazz could win it all and I am really hoping that I can post on this blog in the future about the NBA Finals coming to you live from Salt Lake City.</p>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-47067730733967291872021-04-29T08:12:00.003-05:002021-04-29T12:21:44.829-05:002021 Miami Dolphins Draft<p>Today is draft day for the NFL and specifically for my favorite team the Miami Dolphins. I wanted to get some thoughts down, so that later on I could look back to see if the Dolphins would have been better off with me as the GM. </p><p>As I write this now the Dolphins have the 6th and 18th pick. Here are my preferences in order:</p><p>1) Draft Ja'Marr Chase. It is hard not to see Chase being a bust considering how amazing he was at LSU and how his fellow receiver (Justin Jefferson) did extremely well as a rookie last year. The Dolphins have had success drafting LSU receivers (Jarvis Landry) and this is clearly the best case scenario. Unfortunately it is somewhat unlikely in that he available for the Dolphins because he is likely to go to Cincy.</p><p>2) Trade down. If they can get a decent offer I love the idea of trading down and getting more picks. I was a big fan of the original trade with the Eagles where they got two 1st round picks to move down from 3 to 12. I wasn't as big of a fan going from 12 up to 6. </p><p>3) Draft Penei Sewell. I'm not sure how to measure offensive lineman, but he is supposed to be very good and I like the idea of protecting Tua. It seems preferable to draft the top offensive lineman as opposed to a receiver that you might not love.</p><p>4) Draft DeVonta Smith. It has seemed like destiny for the Dolphins to draft Smith all year. They need a receiver and all year Smith was the best receiver. The fact that his last game was in the title game in Miami and it happened to be his best game just makes it seem like a perfect fit. Yes he is small, which is why I would prefer options 1-3, but I would still be happy to see him as a Dolphin</p><p>5) Draft Jaylen Waddle. I am not sure why this pick worries me so much....it seems like the most likely outcome, but I am just not sure about Waddle. I still think he could help out, which is why it is still a top 5 option, but I still have my doubts.</p><p>With the 18th pick it is harder to pick who will be available or not. Will someone like Smith or Parsons fall? I will try to revise the projection based on who is available, but right now I would go:</p><p>1) Hope someone like Smith / Waddle / Parsons drops to the Dolphins. Draft them.</p><p>2) Draft Najee Harris. The Dolphins need a dominating running back and while taking a running back in the 1st round is no longer a popular thing, I think Harris will be worth it.</p><p>3) Draft the best defensive player who can rush the passer. Maybe Paye or Phillips. </p><p><br /></p><p>Updated with thoughts from one of my closest friends / a fellow Dolphins fan:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Also, we disagree quite a bit. My list without a full
explanation is officially:</i></p><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><i>Pitts<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><i>Chase<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><i>Trade Down<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><i>Waddle<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><i>Sewell <o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><i>Smith</i></li></ol><p class="MsoNormal"><i>At 18, I really want Jaelan Phillips although it looks like
he will likely be gone by then. I would also like Parsons if he were to
fall to that point. Or OT if they don’t get Sewell.</i></p><p>
</p><ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><i>Phillips<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><i>Parsons<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><i>Trade Down<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><i>OT<o:p></o:p></i></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2;"><i>Etienne</i></li></ol>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-80406204597894602472020-12-30T20:14:00.001-06:002022-12-29T14:54:37.763-06:0052 Things I Enjoyed About 2020<p>2020 was a tough year. We were more fortunate than others considering as of now we and our extended family have maintained our health. Still, I lost my job, the kids lost time with their friends, we lost our big trip to visit our friend Megan in Switzerland, both kids lost time at school and we lost a sense of community that we love in Bexley. But there were positives. Below is a list of of 52 positives from the year. This isn't a full ranking and I certainly wouldn't try to order it, so instead I grouped it into categories. For those of you who don't care about my random sports teams, feel free to skip that section</p><p><b><u>The Election</u></b></p><p>The results of the 2020 election</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>What needed to happen, happened. I went into this a lot more in <a href="http://malphurs.blogspot.com/2020/11/why-i-am-voting-for-joe-biden.html">my last post</a>, so I don't need to get into all the reasons why I wanted Joe Biden to win. This could easily turn negative and I have debated writing down my thoughts on how 74,111,419 voted for Trump or the impacts of disinformation or the basic unfairness of the electoral college or how Republicans have acted during all of the baseless election claims from Trump or a myriad of issues we have in our country. All of that is true. All of that makes talking politics with even friends I agree with to not be enjoyable. Still on a gloriously warm Saturday I got a text with the results (a text from a close friend who was up until this election very apolitical) and I almost dropped to my knees. I don't want to be overly dramatic and little about that day changes my overall thoughts on democracy in this country, but still the text, buying Johnnie Walker Blue and then popping champagne with my close friends was amazing and for that one day all was well. </li></ul><p></p><p>Volunteering to be a Poll Worker</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I'm mostly a "political hobbyist" meaning I read a lot of news and opinion articles and can speak intelligently on most subjects....but I don't actually engage in politics. The one exception this year was signing up to work the polls on election day. I had a few online trainings, an in person training, setting up for the election and then working a 15 hour day (starting at 5:30am) for the election. It was a little concerning doing this during COVID, but still it felt good to do my civic duty. (Also, seeing the pride people take in voting makes me even more outraged over undemocratic actions like gerrymandering.) I'm not sure if I will do it again (I think I will) or how else I can get involved, but I was happy to do a small part in this election. </li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>Finances</u></b></p><p>Getting 97% of our money back for the Europe trip</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We were booked to fly to Europe over Spring Break - this included booking hotels, an Airbnb and train tickets. Some of those were non-refundable. Then when COVID started going bad we made the decision to cancel our trip. In order of ease of getting money back to not easy it went hotels (a simple click of the button on Expedia), Airbnb (a very easy to understand policy when I called and then a click of the button), Rail Europe (they made me take pictures of the tickets and mail it to them before giving us our money back) and then Delta (first they gave me vouchers and then after multiple calls and many hours on hold they finally gave us our money back). Anyway, we lost out on some transaction fees, but still I took it as quite the accomplishment to get 97% of our money back. </li></ul><p></p><p>Saving Money</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It turns out that when there isn't much to do and you can't travel it is very easy to save money. On our budget Travel was down 93%, Dining out was down 53% and entertainment was down 27%. We spent more money on our home, but still from a budget perspective we have never saved as much as we did in 2020.</li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>Food</u></b></p><p>New recipes: Chicken Fried Rice and Beer Battered Shrimp</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Being stuck at home meant we tried out a few more recipes than normal. One of my favorites was a simple chicken fried rice...and mixing it with yum yum sauce. I found out that it only worked when you had all the ingredients (sounds obvious) and included the egg, carrots, peas, chicken and rice. Also, at the start of the pandemic I bought one of those big rice packages and found out that as long as you have time (and working from home meant we had time) it is much better to make the long cooking (20-25 minutes) rice. Another favorite was the McCormick Beer Batter Seafood mix on shrimp. Somewhat randomly our youngest child really likes this and overall it is a great option for cocktail hour. </li></ul><p></p><p>Box Wine</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Am I proud of this one? No. But the quarantine plus being stuck at home meant a semi-regular switch from bottles of wine to box wine. The quality isn't bad and I don't feel as embarrassed when I take out the recycling now. </li></ul><p></p><p>Takeout</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Takeout in terms of quality and operations has improved so much. Maybe it has always been that way, but really we have gotten much better about ordering online and having a nice professionally cooked meal in the comforts of our own home. </li></ul><div>Picnics</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>At a garage sale a few years ago I picked up a picnic basket and somewhat surprisingly we use relatively frequently even before COVID. During COVID though this because an especially great purchase because picnics were the perfect COVID activity.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIh-P59ksQo/X-0EqaBwokI/AAAAAAAABHU/ElXkrlsh5I09GM0OD5X2ZDVr2rxm6jPFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/5AEC1FF7-676B-4FE0-8C62-05FF2FBC1A6B.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AIh-P59ksQo/X-0EqaBwokI/AAAAAAAABHU/ElXkrlsh5I09GM0OD5X2ZDVr2rxm6jPFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/5AEC1FF7-676B-4FE0-8C62-05FF2FBC1A6B.heic" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><p></p><p><b><u>Home</u></b></p><p>Painting the basement Green Apple</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Before COVID started we planned on working on our basement with a new couch and by painting it. We picked a light green color (Green Apple) and instead of hiring a painter did it ourselves. This turned our remarkably well and the light green color in the basement makes me happy during family movie time. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP4JmSkyLlE/X-zMHxXbE4I/AAAAAAAABG4/KPxeN1eQt0gNruuoTv5bsPodRRioj7XjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Painting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jP4JmSkyLlE/X-zMHxXbE4I/AAAAAAAABG4/KPxeN1eQt0gNruuoTv5bsPodRRioj7XjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Painting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p>Home improvement projects</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We got a new fence, new computer and a basketball goal for the garage. That combined with the revamped basement (we added on some furniture, changed whats hanging on the walls and got a new TV) made for an improved home. </li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>Kids</u></b></p><p>Animals</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This year was likely the start of our live with animals. As I write this I can look over at our fishes and snail....and I can see into the future and see so many more animals. We might have briefly adopted a turtle, bunny and worm, but soon I know we won't be able to say no to the dog question anymore. (We aren't saying no because we don't like dogs, but because our youngest has been afraid of dogs and we are waiting until that is over.)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XKJ-osaOJg/X-0FStzXTMI/AAAAAAAABHc/vkd5LZJX9ioGaxcCXrQGYVm3fLBZMkppgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/290C0448-69EF-4C20-86DA-9B4BE08230E5.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XKJ-osaOJg/X-0FStzXTMI/AAAAAAAABHc/vkd5LZJX9ioGaxcCXrQGYVm3fLBZMkppgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/290C0448-69EF-4C20-86DA-9B4BE08230E5.heic" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p>Cooking with the kids</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The kids (unless they are in one of their moods) really enjoy helping us cook and I feel like that is both a useful life skill as well as helping them try new foods. </li></ul><p></p><p>The age 4</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Each age has its own pros and cons, but for my money there might not be a better age out there than the age of 4. Up until 4 there are naps, diapers (or potty training) and meltdowns. Up until 4 it is very hard to have a rational conversation with a child. But then slowly things change and before you know it you are having somewhat normal conversations with your child instead of just waiting for the inevitable meltdown. That happens around the age of 4. Also, one nice thing about the age of 4 is that you can have these normal conversations, but 4 year olds still have the confidence to go to Target wearing a princess costume. </li></ul><p></p><p>L and our neighbor (Heidi) walking Heidi's dog</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Our across the street neighbor has a dog that L absolutely LOVES to be around in any capacity. It is cute to see and also a reminder of how great our neighborhood is. </li></ul><p></p><p>The kids playing together</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Both M and I grew up with siblings and always knew we wanted to have more than 1 kid. One big reason is that we wanted each of them to have someone to play with. This takes awhile to happen, but it really has blossomed this year and what a perfect year for that to happen. They really enjoying playing whatever games exist in their head and it gives M and I a little bit of a break that isn't TV related. </li></ul><p></p><p>Movie marathons with the kids </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We have watched all 4 Shreks, the first two Home Alones and the first two Beethovens. It's nice having the new basement and that the kids are old enough that we don't have to watch Daniel Tiger. (Not that Daniel Tiger was bad.)</li></ul><p></p><p>Picking up J at 3:30pm</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Without a commute or having to be in the office at certain times we have changed J's school pickup to 3:30pm. This has given our family a nice routine where we can pick her up and she can play with L and watch a tv show before getting ready for dinner. I've very much enjoyed this routine.</li></ul><p></p><p>L running a 5k</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One of the more amazing athletic accomplishments of the year was watching my oldest child run a 5k with M. Just writing that sentence seems crazy to me, but J and I followed them along the entire run and I saw it myself. L has really modeled her behavior after M (who really likes running) and I was impressed she could do that.</li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>Misc</u></b></p><p>Walks / Fitbit</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One of the best things I've ever bought in my life has been a Fitbit. It helps motivate me to get outside more and my daily walks helps me catch up on podcasts (Ezra Klein, fantasy football, Colin Cowherd) or books (see at the end of this post). At one point I walked 10,000 steps every single day for 109 straight days (4/11 to 7/28). I've since had a few days under 10,000, but still I am doing pretty well overall and currently have walked 57 more miles than I did last year (and I felt like last year was a pretty good year)</li></ul><p></p><p>Drawing logos</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>For the Super Bowl every year we create a big Super Bowl poster and hand draw the logos of each team. I won't pretend that I am very good drawer, but I have enjoyed that in the past. This year I've expanded it by periodically turning on music and working on a random logo while L & J draw next to me.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDyw0FxsMcI/X-zJI_aQlNI/AAAAAAAABGQ/MH53Q3eIlmsi-g7dvXCV9ovrf7lmNoJpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Logos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDyw0FxsMcI/X-zJI_aQlNI/AAAAAAAABGQ/MH53Q3eIlmsi-g7dvXCV9ovrf7lmNoJpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Logos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Exploring the city parks of Columbus</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The city parks of Columbus are well-run, pretty and provide a perfect COVID activity in that it's outside and socially distant. That was a common activity this year and one that I would like to continue even when COVID is gone. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFMPTJroUGI/X-0F-NPoh6I/AAAAAAAABHk/S3PDQ47Zkis5WOvQXV326dJoCq_FHpthQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/B009FCF6-02DD-4433-9FA7-5BD0FA89D39C.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFMPTJroUGI/X-0F-NPoh6I/AAAAAAAABHk/S3PDQ47Zkis5WOvQXV326dJoCq_FHpthQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/B009FCF6-02DD-4433-9FA7-5BD0FA89D39C.heic" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>My blue Kevin Garnett retro jersey</div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I saw this was on sale the other day and pounced at the opportunity to buy what has to be one of the prettiest jerseys ever. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPoZCiOeqjk/X-zK_bpDlyI/AAAAAAAABGc/SeOEOMkKNyUlYJtSPjXJj5crjpPXOtSJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/KG.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPoZCiOeqjk/X-zK_bpDlyI/AAAAAAAABGc/SeOEOMkKNyUlYJtSPjXJj5crjpPXOtSJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/KG.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p><b><u>Sports</u></b></p><p>Obi Toppin & the Pine Club</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>One of my last "normal" nights before Covid shut things down was a February 28th Dayton basketball game where I went with one of my close friends to see Obi Toppin. Wow. Toppin was dominating and at one point he dunked it on 3 consecutive possessions and each one being better than the one before. Dayton is a truly great place to watch a basketball game....and afterwards getting a steak at the cash only Pine Club is well worth it. I ended up buying an Homage Pine Club shirt as a way of remembering life before COVID. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA8jGxmrlyI/X-0D_4e8zJI/AAAAAAAABHM/P3DbVtIqPkM_jPmoELue0JuC1aYec4BQACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1E0D8AE5-C596-45BE-B7ED-E5E94983C60E.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cA8jGxmrlyI/X-0D_4e8zJI/AAAAAAAABHM/P3DbVtIqPkM_jPmoELue0JuC1aYec4BQACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1E0D8AE5-C596-45BE-B7ED-E5E94983C60E.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Duke at Unc</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Much like Buddy the Elf it was hard not to excitedly say "I know him" when Wendall Moore hit the game winning shot against UNC. The entire comeback and Tre Jones missed free throw turned into tying jumper sequence as spectacular, but seeing Moore (who I met at K Academy and seemed incredibly friendly) hit the shot at the end of the game was special. </li></ul><p></p><p>The Dolphins drafting Tua</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>There have been two perfect draft matches for the professional teams in my life. Deron Williams to the Jazz in 2005 and Tua to the Dolphins in 2020. The Dolphins started a complete rebuild last year and "Tank for Tua" became a thing. The plan was to lose every game, get the 1st pick and draft the best QB prospect since maybe Andrew Luck. Well it didn't really work out that way as the Dolphins actually started winning games, but then Tua injured his hip and Joe Burrow had maybe the greatest college year ever for a QB....and long story short the Dolphins drafted Tua but in the 5th spot in the draft. That was the most exciting Dolphins draft pick since I became a fan. </li></ul><p></p><p>Believing in Brian Flores</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It is nice going into a game and feeling like you have the better coach. It is also nice feeling like the long-term direction of the team is in good hands. As a Dolphins fan I feel absolutely thrilled to have Brian Flores as the coach</li></ul><p></p><p>Donovan Mitchell in the playoffs</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The NBA moved to a bubble for the playoffs, which overall I think was a net negative. I missed the fans and I missed the hype before a big Jazz home playoff game. However, there was one huge positive that I might be discounting too much and that is the quality of basketball seemed to be significantly higher in the bubble than in previous years. That resulted in one of my all-time favorite basketball series between the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz. The matchup was absolutely perfect (the complete opposite of the Rockets / Jazz from years past) and it didn't get much better than seeing Donovan Mitchell compete against Jamaal Murray. Mitchell averaged 36 points per game on better than 50% shooting and was truly a joy to watch. As I watching Mitchell dominate I kept thinking about how he was eventually going to have a statue outside whatever they call Vivint Arena</li></ul><p></p><p>Donovan Mitchell & Rudy Gobert signing long term deals with the Jazz</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mitchell and Gobert are the modern day Stockton / Malone and with so many star players jumping around (I'm looking at you Lebron, Durant, Kawhi) it is nice to have the same players to root for every single year. I look forward to seeing both players continue to grow and for the Jazz to hopefully take the next step</li></ul><p></p><p>Derrick Favors resigning with the Jazz</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I'm not sure if the Jazz or really any of my favorite professional teams will ever win the title and I am not sure if a move like resigning Derrick Favors helps that. However, sometimes it is just nice to root for players you like and Favors is a true professional and a very good player. He played for the Jazz for 9 years, left for New Orleans and now is back for this 10th year. </li></ul><p></p><p>The Dolphins defense - led by Xavien Howard</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Last year the Dolphins started the year off by giving up 59 points. This year they are the best defense in the league in terms of points against (18.8 per game). I can't believe the turnaround. It's been an entire team effort, but I have to point out how amazing Xavien Howard has been at cornerback. He has 9 interceptions and could win defensive player of the year. </li></ul><p></p><p>Watching the Houston Texans lose</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Maybe my most controversial sports opinions is that no team should own their own draft pick. It isn't natural to hope for your team to lose, but sometimes the incentives work that you root for the tank. That happened last year as the Dolphins tried to tank for Tua. This year has been so much better because I could root for the Dolphins to win AND also hope for a top draft pick. Before the 2019 season the Dolphins trade Laremy Tunsil to the Texans for a lot of draft picks...including the 1st and 2nd round picks in this draft. All of that meant Dolphins fans would be rooting against the Texans in every game this year in hopes of getting better draft picks. And the Texans lost, and lost and kept losing. As I write this they are 4-11 and the Dolphins would get the 3rd pick in the 1st round and 2nd round. Every week I text my fellow Dolphins fan about who the Texans are playing and we try to figure out how that team can win. It's fun having two games and two teams teams (the Dolphins and whoever is playing the Texans) to root for each week.</li></ul><p></p><p>Alvin Kamara and my fantasy team</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Alvin Kamara was the best running back in the league all year and led my fantasy team to top points and a 3rd place playoff finish.</li></ul><p></p><p>The Ryan Fitzpatrick no-look pass</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Just when the Dolphins season looked to be over Ryan Fitzpatrick completed the most ridiculous pass I have ever seen. I don't know how anyone can throw the ball so far and so accurately while having their helmet ripped to the side by a 300lb lineman. That pass saved the season and provided the kind of joy that makes you just randomly laugh and text friends pure joyful gibberish. </li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>TV</u></b></p><p>Mrs. America</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mrs. America was a 9 part mini-series on Hulu that mostly tracked the life of Phyllis Schlafly as well as other political figures during the fight to pass the ERA. It was incredibly well-acted and covered a time period (the 1970s) that I don't feel like I learned as much about in school. </li></ul><p></p><p>Emily in Paris</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If Mrs. America was both fun and educational, then Emily in Paris was just fun. I don't care how unrealistic it was or any of the other criticisms this was the perfect show for COVID.</li></ul><p></p><p>The Great</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>In a show that had absolutely nothing to do with our current (and soon to be former) President, the Great reminded me so much of him. Peter is selfish, cruel and demands 100% loyalty from his subjects. Seeing Peter interact with Catherine was probably the best possible two person interaction I saw all year on TV. </li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>Trips</u></b></p><p>New Orleans</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I can't always predict what trips are going to be ok and what trips are going to be great. New Orleans seemed like one of those trips that might be less than ideal because what people normally like about New Orleans (great food and drinking on Bourbon Street) doesn't really fit in the family friendly category. However, it easily was one of our best trips. We got a nice hotel that was close to the French Quarter and had a pool. The kids loved the pool and the various forms of transportation we took including J's first taxi ride, various pedicabs around the city and then finally a train ride from New Orleans to Jackson. M and I both really loved the nice meals around the city including going back to this place (Deanie's) we went to (and really enjoyed) a decade ago. And my favorite was <a href="https://www.theringer.com/nba/2020/5/8/21251190/brandon-ingram-pelicans-jazz-rudy-gobert">the Pelicans / Jazz game</a> where Brandon Ingram scored 49 points and Donovan Mitchell scored 46 points. It was a dramatic, well-played game that we watched from the 10th row. Anyway, the trip had something for everyone and is something I would definitely enjoy doing again with the family.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDJ7agrVvWE/X-zLqqSnq3I/AAAAAAAABGw/iKdfxu9kYy8r1qEG11kC9kNiWX7FMQqQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/NOLA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nDJ7agrVvWE/X-zLqqSnq3I/AAAAAAAABGw/iKdfxu9kYy8r1qEG11kC9kNiWX7FMQqQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/NOLA.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p>Bloomington, Indiana</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>During the summer we took the proper precautions (quarantining before) and decided to meet up with two close college friends of mine in Bloomington, Indiana. Why Bloomington? My friends found a place with an indoor pool and I will now say that when you have small kids an indoor pool increases your happiness by at least 73%. Anyway, I remember thinking after the trip about how it was good for our souls and even know I don't think that was hyperbole</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB5dhxVBdb4/X-0HHivqh3I/AAAAAAAABH8/rLPvFzolNNsz-AjlijAKgL7ZvAfBh8nRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/34C85C52-C015-4CA1-A973-41463E63C203.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DB5dhxVBdb4/X-0HHivqh3I/AAAAAAAABH8/rLPvFzolNNsz-AjlijAKgL7ZvAfBh8nRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/34C85C52-C015-4CA1-A973-41463E63C203.heic" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></blockquote><div><p>Pensacola Beach</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We debated and debated and debated going on this trip, but after much discussion we decided to quarantine before meeting up as a family down in Pensacola Beach. This wasn't our normal location, which was fine since it wasn't a normal year. (We had a normal trip planned but that was canceled during the first peak of COVID). Anyway, despite the very strange middle part, I really loved hanging out with my family and going to the beach. One positive about most things being closed is that the trip was actually a lot more relaxing because there was no "fear of missing out." Sometimes M and I can go to a place and try to check off as many main attractions as possible, but with this trip it was just the pool, beach, cocktail hour and family time.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7VAB_0Ysi4/X-0IeyA-jxI/AAAAAAAABII/gPPSJCIuoGcmc9NxofMJSrlMztqhrb0WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/F15C1F27-8FB0-4952-95CD-7BA17A72AFE2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7VAB_0Ysi4/X-0IeyA-jxI/AAAAAAAABII/gPPSJCIuoGcmc9NxofMJSrlMztqhrb0WACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F15C1F27-8FB0-4952-95CD-7BA17A72AFE2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p>Lakeside</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The kids love to go to Lakeside for the golf cart rides, donuts and being able to hang out as a family. In a year with most things being canceled it was nice to have a normal trip.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnd7CnPtL0A/X-0y0Rr84sI/AAAAAAAABIk/o3PxMSJBFVk_Ey5baoRIdce_1FtdkX54QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/F58B1AB5-16CA-48BB-ACDC-197EE0200B37.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xnd7CnPtL0A/X-0y0Rr84sI/AAAAAAAABIk/o3PxMSJBFVk_Ey5baoRIdce_1FtdkX54QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/F58B1AB5-16CA-48BB-ACDC-197EE0200B37.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p></div><p></p><p><b><u>Work</u></b></p><p>Finding a new job</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Retail is a tough industry to be in right now and trying to find a job remotely is another hurdle. I feel fortunate to find another comparable job as what I had before at another large (but not as large) retailer her in Columbus. </li></ul><p></p><p>Getting paid for your vacation days</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I don't recommend getting let go and I also don't recommend not using your vacation days....but....if that does happen it is really nice getting an extra large paycheck paying out the vacation days you rightly accrued. And as I told HR on the day I got let go, that day itself was supposed to be a vacation day but I wasn't going to count it since I called into the two appropriate meetings. </li></ul><p></p><p>Meeting new coworkers (virtually)</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I have two new coworkers in general that I really like and feel like I can trust with various observations / complaints. It's a testament to the power of technology (Teams calls, emails and texts) that I can already feel a strong bond with two people I have never met before. </li></ul><p></p><p><b><u>Writing </u></b></p><p>Anything by Wright Thompson</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wright Thompson is so good....<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cost-These-Dreams-Stories-Business/dp/014313387X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=21HOAO29WIG0D&dchild=1&keywords=wright+thompson&qid=1609368224&sprefix=Wright+Thompson%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2">his book of sports</a>, <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/insider/story/_/id/30472320/the-inheritance-archie-manning">his article on Archie Manning</a> are great and I am going to guess that his <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Pappyland-Story-Family-Bourbon-Things/dp/0735221251/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21HOAO29WIG0D&dchild=1&keywords=wright+thompson&qid=1609368224&sprefix=Wright+Thompson%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1">new book on bourbon</a> will also be very good. </li></ul><p></p><p>Why We're Polarized by Ezra Klein</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I love listening to and reading Ezra Klein and his book this year did not disappoint. It really helped me better understand where we were as a country.</li></ul>The Victory Machine by Ethan Sherwood Strauss<br /><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I love pretty much anything Ethan Strauss writes, but really his ESPN articles chronicling the rise of the Golden State Warriors were must reads. This book is more of the same about the Warriors and while it is somewhat short is is very compact and extremely fun to read (or in my case listen to). </li></ul><p></p><p>The Wax Pack by Brad Balukjian</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I love 1) random concepts 2) sports 3) baseball cards 4) road trips so yeah this book was perfect for me. Brad Balukjian searched out the players from a single pack of baseball cards to see what happened with their life. He made me care about players I never heard of (the pack was from a time before I followed baseball), but really I just appreciated his commitment to such a crazy and unique idea.</li></ul><p></p><p>It Was All A Lie by Stuart Stevens</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stuart Stevens is a fellow Mississippian and he writes with clarity of someone who has been in politics a long time and can see the issues we are having with the Republican Party. I remember reading his book about going to every Ole Miss football game with his Dad and loving his writing style....and while this book isn't nearly as fun it is probably even more necessary</li></ul><p></p><p>Three Ring Circus by Jeff Pearlman</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I never have liked the Lakers - as a Jazz fan that is somewhat to be expected because the Lakers often beat the Jazz in the playoffs, but I really enjoyed this book about the Shaq / Kobe Lakers. I could even get over the fact that the person reading the book absolutely butchered the names of multiple NBA players. </li></ul><p></p><p>Joe Posnanski's Browns Diary</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I lived with 3 Browns fans in college and it was enough after that not to be a Browns fan. That being said one of my favorite things to read is Joe Posnanski's weekly diary on the Browns. He is a very logical sports fan and provides a great perspective.</li></ul><p></p><p>Glass House by Brian Alexander</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>This was a recommendation from a writer I like as a great way of understanding the collapse of the American Dream as told through the small town of Lancaster, Ohio. I loved pretty much everything about this depressing American story. It turns out private equity and the "greed is good" culture helped destroy a company (Anchor Hocking) and a city (Lancaster, Ohio) that is just 30 minutes southeast of where I write this. </li></ul><p></p><p>Can't Even by Anne Helen Peterson</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Continuing the theme of a Glass House, this is a good summary of what ills the "millennial" generation. I really enjoyed her perspective on technology and work. </li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I doubt that anyone made it this far in the blog, but if they did congrats on making through a blog that was almost as long as 2020. I am glad to turn the page on this year, but I am also glad that if we had to have a forever quarantine it was with M, L and J.</div><p></p>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-71884472232284613532020-11-01T08:28:00.002-06:002020-11-02T19:33:04.905-06:00Why I am voting for Joe Biden<div>On Friday, October 9th I waited in an hour long line at the early voting place here in Columbus, Ohio. It was a pretty day outside and I was able to listen to the new Jeff Pearlman book about the Shaq / Kobe Lakers. Overall it felt good to do my civic duty, but also I felt a sense of dread about this upcoming election. One candidate is so extreme that almost everyone agrees that there is a decent chance that one candidate won't accept the election results or won't participate in a peaceful transfer of power. There is one candidate who so clearly has and will prioritize his own needs over the needs of the democratic system of our country. There should be little doubt for any rational person that one candidate would lie, cheat, steal and do whatever it takes to win. On Friday, October 9th on a nice day in Columbus, Ohio I voted for the other candidate. I voted for Joe Biden</div><div><br /></div><div>And yes to start my vote was more of a vote against our current President than a vote for Biden. Some might level the criticism against me that I am more voting against someone than for someone else. I kind of get it and it was also mostly true in 2016. Still I feel like voting this particular person is a rational response and I will try to back up my thoughts on that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Trump is bad. He is bad when you consider his personality, his policies, his words and his actions. He is a bad role model for our children. He was bad in the past, bad in the present and the odds are high he will be bad in the future. Bad is such a simple word, but in this case you don't really need anything complex in describing him. Here is how I reached that conclusion with a partial but certainly not full list of things I abhor about Trump:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><u>Personality </u></b>- Certainly some (a lot?) of Republicans like his combative personality and that he "isn't a politician" but from the Republicans I know they concede that personally he is a narcissistic bully who is a bad role model. (In my mind that should be enough for most people to not vote for him.) The way he talks and tweets about a wide range of people shouldn't be tolerated. There are almost too many examples to count, but really just turn on one of his rallies and if you aren't offended then I am not sure we are watching the same thing. (A month ago on September 18th he asked his 99% white audience if they were "having a good time with your refugees." He pushed a conspiracy theory about Congresswoman Omar marrying her brother. He said it was "the most beautiful thing" about a journalist being hit by a rubber bullet.) Seriously - any one viewing of any random rally should be enough to make you run to the polls to vote for Biden. </div><div><br /></div><div>Those examples aren't policies he is pursuing. His speeches / tweets seem to fluctuate between culture war issues (ex. football players kneeling), attacking a diverse group of female Democrats called "the Squad" (not about policies, but about them hating America or listening in while his audience chants "send them back") and grievances against the media, his political opponents or whoever was the latest antagonist on Fox News.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the strange thing to me is that his attacks in the last paragraph truly seem to be a big part of what drives Republican voters. I had recently spent a weekend with a Trump supporter. During that weekend we didn't talk about climate change, gun violence or even really COVID. We did talk about NFL players kneeling and how this lifelong football fan was going to be personally boycotting the NFL this year. Now let's say this was something I disagree with (it's not) then still I can't imagine kneeling NFL players would make my top 100 issues in this election. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Policies</u></b> - Some of those same Republicans excuse his personality because they like his policies. Normally that means lower taxes, less regulation, conservative judges and anti-immigration. I will take those one by one:</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Taxes </u>- the big legislative achievement for Trump and the Republicans was the tax cut they passed in 2017. It is not controversial to say this tax cut <a href="https://budget.house.gov/publications/publication/gop-tax-law-showers-benefits-wealthy-and-large-corporations-while">primarily benefited rich people</a> and that it 100% hurt the federal deficit. (Remember when Republicans cared about the federal deficit. It was amazing to me that with unemployment going down and the economy in a decent position, we saw such an increase in the federal deficit under Trump. The federal deficit has gone up every year under Trump after seeing year over year declines under Obama. Not that anyone cares about the federal deficit, but there are some amazing charts showing how it gradually declines under Democrats like Clinton / Obama and increases under Republicans like Reagan / W / Trump.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Personally I liked that the tax cut doubled the standard deduction, which makes filing my taxes easier since I no longer need to keep up with charitable giving. I didn't like how the IRS asked for companies to deduct less from our paychecks, which meant that my tax bill at the end of the year was higher than expected. (Overall my taxes did go down thanks to the tax cut. I looked at my last 7 tax returns and it is clear that after the 2017 tax cut the %s went down. When Republicans make the point that Biden will raise your taxes then it is a fair point for me.) Anyway, I believe that it is patriotic to pay taxes in order to support schools, social services and general public welfare. I wouldn't do what Trump (or others) did and try to figure out all the loopholes to get as low a tax bill as possible. I didn't decline or donate the money I saved in taxes thanks to Trump, but I would rather taxes go up for me (and others - specifically people much richer than me) and for those taxes to help make this country truly great / fair. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Less Regulation</u> - I don't always knows what specific regulations people want to get rid of when they say this, but taking it at face value I think it is fair to say most conservatives want to lower regulation. I am not sure if that means less environmental regulation, but that seems to be a constant theme from the research I've done. For me I would prefer more not less environmental regulation and it's not really that close. (I am by no means an expert on what that means, but protecting the environment seems like a worthy goal and I don't really trust Trump to do that.) Another regulation that seems like it would help the common American was the "fiduciary rule," which regulates that financial planners work in your best interest. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fiduciary-rule-investment-products-20190507-story.html">Trump got rid of that</a>. It seems like something so basic that any argument against it seems like a stretch. I wonder if there are conservatives who are "anti-regulation" who probably would benefit from more regulations on the companies that pollute the environment and financial advisors who sell shady products that make them money at the expense of their clients. </div><div><br /></div><div><u>Conservative judges</u> - this will play a little bit into the next bullet point, but I am completely against conservative judges limiting our democracy by excusing gerrymandering and striking down the Voting Rights Act. Normally I think the "originalist" intent is just bs that allows judges to make whatever argument they want. Also, I was alive in 2016 when Republicans were very clear about allowing the US public to have a choice in filling the Supreme Court seat. They didn't give a moderate / relatively old judge (Merrick Garland) a hearing after Antonin Scalia died 9 months before an election. They were clear about their reasons. Now in 2020, they were completely ok confirming a much younger / much more conservative judge after Ruth Bader Ginsburg died less than 2 months before an election. It is worse than hypocrisy. It is pretending that people don't remember what happened 4 years ago. I would still be upset, but not as angry if they just said they had the power and that is how they were going to use it how they see fit. However, they try to come up with elaborate reasons on why this is ok, when they have to know that they have damaged if not destroyed the Supreme Court. (Since 1968 Democrats have won the popular vote in 7 out of 13 presidential elections, but have appointed just 4 out of 19 Supreme Court Justices. It is not fair. It's not fair especially when considering the Supreme Court helped W win, which then led to Supreme Court decisions that led to Trump winning that led to decisions that might allow him to win again. It's a cycle that reinforces itself)</div><div><br /></div><div><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Democracy</b> - The biggest issue for me is Democracy in general. It is amazing to me that people will justify certain votes being worth more than others or that voting in general should be tough. Personally one of my strongest political beliefs is that voting should be easy and fair. Currently there is a ton of evidence that Republicans don't believe that. You can see it in their words about "real Americans" or in their actions. My home state of Mississippi doesn't allow for early voting, which is a pretty clear sign of voting suppression. What happens if on election day your car breaks down or you are sick or the voting line is too long and you need to get to your job - well you are disenfranchised in Mississippi. And people not only are ok with that, but are actively working to make sure that remains the system. Thankfully we do have early voting in Ohio, but that doesn't mean my vote for Congress matters. Ohio is an extremely gerrymandered state, so that a roughly 50/50 state goes 12/4 for Congress thanks to the wonderful work the GOP did in 2010. Gerrymandering makes votes not count. That is wrong. Another thing that makes votes not count is the electoral college. For some reason getting rid of the electoral college is now considered an extreme position....but I am really not sure why my vote should count more if I live in Ohio than if I live in Mississippi. I don't know why we would set up a system where 500 votes in Florida are more valuable than 500,000 votes in the rest of the country. Or where 70,000 votes in the Midwest would count more than 3,000,000 votes anywhere else. The electoral college is at best quirky and at worst undemocratic. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Doubt</u></b> - </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lot of doubt about what is in Trump's tax returns (his audacity to say they are still under audit is amazing). </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lot of doubt that he truly cares about the country and almost zero doubt that he cares about himself more than the country. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lot of doubt that he wouldn't work with foreign governments in hurting an opponent or helping himself. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubt that he hires the "best people" when so many people that worked for him end up in jail. I have doubt of his competency as a leader when the people that don't end up in jail write books and go on TV talking about how he is a narcissistic madman who is bad for the country. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubt that he is a smart person. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts (thanks to the Bob Woodward tapes) that when it came to COVID he really wanted to do what is best for the country and that by "intentionally downplaying" the virus he didn't lead to more people dying in America than if we had picked another more truthful path. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that he is truly the "religion freedom" candidate when one of the first things he tried to do was ban an entire religion.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts on his record on the environment, when he doesn't seem to truly address the issues with Climate Change and stories have shown that "less regulation" often means more pollution. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that Mexico is paying for the wall. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that he has a healthcare plan. I have zero doubt that he is being absurd when he says Republicans will protect people with pre-exisiting conditions when that only happened in this country because of President Obama's administration. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that Trump fired the FBI Director (Comey) for the right reasons....just like I have doubts about <a href="https://www.vox.com/2020/5/28/21265799/inspectors-general-trump-linick-atkinson">Trump firing the inspector generals</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a lot of doubts about the ethical moves of Trump's personal decisions. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts on most of the conspiracy theories Trump throws out there and I don't know if he thinks they are true or if he knows they are false but thinks they might help him out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that he is the "least racist person" with a history that includes the Central Park 5, birtherism and refusing to rent to Black tenants in the 1970s. I have doubts that it speaks highly of him that the best argument against him being racist is that he is just a jerk to everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that he is the best candidate against "cancel culture" when he routinely is asking people to boycott things and has talked numerous times of canceling people, companies, etc. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that that the rest of the world thinks more positively about America with him as our leader. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have serious doubts about reducing immigration or reducing the number of foreign students (either directly or indirectly by making America less appealing) in our colleges won't have serious consequences to our economy and world standing</div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts on Trump sticking up to China and doubts that his tariffs have helped our country. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts on his critique of socialism when his subsidies to farmers seems to be (by most conservative's definition) to be socialism. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that if he wins we still will be a democracy and won't fall into some authoritarian country where voting no longer matters and is strictly ceremonial. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have doubts that I would be able to look my children in the eye if I voted for such a terrible person who I believe puts himself over our country.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b style="text-decoration: underline;">Final</b>- Do I have doubts about Biden? Yes - that section would be a lot shorter and also more picky. Overall he seems like a good person who is moderate left and will hopefully bring the temperature of this country down a little bit. I don't want to care about politics as much and I think a Biden presidency would be a lot less of pretty much everything. I don't want to be shocked by what my President writes on Twitter or says on TV. I would like to elect a relatively normal person that can help our country get back to a more normal time. Trump unfortunately has brought out the worst in a lot of people and has made me question things about this country that I previously took for granted. Biden is at worst a generic politician, who will give boring speeches and not make much of a change. Unfortunately that is a huge improvement over our current situation. I have gone from "hope and change" to just hoping my (and others) vote counts and that we will continue to live in a democracy. It's quite the shift, but the best thing about a low point is that hopefully there is no where to go up but up. </div><div><br /></div>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-30415734818740035042020-09-08T13:05:00.000-05:002020-09-08T13:05:30.356-05:00Layoffs<p>For 9 years I worked for L Brands and just writing that sentence in past tense is strange for me. I didn't think I would work there forever (common wisdom was that nobody retires from L Brands), but still after that amount of time it is still strange for it to be over. I had worked worked in Pink MP&A, Store Operations and for the last 4 years in Finance. I was promoted twice (with the last promotion happening one year ago) and during my time I had seven different managers. The job gave me the opportunity to travel from from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean and see about 200 malls in between. I was there long enough to see our paternity leave policy change from nothing (for the birth of my first child) to two weeks (for the birth of my second child) to six weeks (which I didn't take advantage of). I was there for the rise and eventual (but certainly not complete) fall of Pink. I was there in 2015 when LB's stock reached an all-time high of $100, and I was there when during the middle of COVID it dropped all the way down to $8. </p><p>Unfortunately I am using past tense becausse I was part of the <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2020/07/28/victorias-secret-parent-l-brands-lb-to-cut-15percent-of-corporate-jobs.html">layoffs that impacted 850 of my coworkers</a>. I knew there was a chance get let go during this round, but obviously I hoped for the best. I had been lucky to survive the great recession and then the layoffs at L Brands in 2016. I have worked for 3 large corporations for 15 years and it was my time for bad luck.</p><p>The layoffs happened obviously during the middle of a pandemic, so it had to be through Microsoft Teams. And it just so happened that it was when I was on vacation in Florida, which made it stranger. It all started with an email the night before announcing that 1) layoffs were happening tomorrow 2) people would get "transition meetings" on their calendar, which could mean anything from being let go to getting a new job or a new boss. I didn't sleep well that night - especially since I got a "transition meeting" for 11am. I thought (correctly it turns out) that an early morning meeting was bad because normally companies do layoffs first in the day. We also had an 8:30am meeting, where our department leader explained that yes layoffs were happening. (Thanks for compounding my lack of sleep with an early morning meeting that reinforced the thing we already knew.) So I listened in on the 8:30am call and then just waited. My family went to the beach. I waited. The "good" news is that at 11am I knew immediately that I was let go because the two people on the call (my HR partner and my boss's boss) both look very sad. I tried keeping my composure and asked the questions that I had just googled (it's not a good sign to be googling "what to ask if you are let go"). And then I went to the beach and tried to enjoy my time with my family and forget what just happened.</p><p>I wish I could say I handled it all well, but I had many sleepless nights rehearsing questions that would likely never be fully answered. Also, I had a brief panic attack after thinking about the challenges of finding a job during this job market. I'm not one of the people who believes "everything happens for a reason" and I was really struggling with the "why me" part of the layoffs. I had been doing a good job (again I was just promoted last year) and i worked in a critical area for the company. But eventually I picked myself up and started reaching out to contacts. It's not that I was sad about losing my job, but I still needed to try and find a new job.</p><p>Thankfully things seem to be working out on the job search standpoint. I recently accepted a Senior Manager of Testing role with DSW. I am thrilled for the role and the opportunity to build out my own team. It will be a new company with a new group of coworkers, but thankfully the role itself is familiar. I wish I had some big way of ending this, but I don't. There is no grand lesson, but a lot of smaller lessons I've learned through this whole thing. Those lessons will have to wait for another blog post.</p><div class="I_52qC D_FY W_6D6F" data-test-id="message-view-body" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(29, 34, 40); color: #1d2228; display: table; font-family: YahooSans, "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; width: 875.40625px;"></div>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-85427745931914905132020-07-13T12:45:00.000-05:002020-07-13T12:45:16.665-05:00Coronavirus updateIt's really strange because both a lot of things seem to be happening and nothing seems to happen at the exact same time. Since the last update two months from now the big family update was that we decided to send L & J to camp. It was a different camp than normal with rules to prevent the spread of COVID and for a long time things worked out great! We would drop them off at 8am and pick them up at 5pm. They enjoyed camp and we enjoyed being able to do work during the day.<div>
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And then their camp counselor tested positive for COVID and camp ended. Here is the timeline:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Thursday, July 2nd - the last day L & J were in camp with the counselor who ended up testing positive</li>
<li>Friday, July 3rd - because it was the day before the 4th of July we took them out of camp in the morning before they went back that afternoon to participate in the "water games." We then got a call and an email saying that their counselor "has been in the same facility as someone who tested positive for COVID-19."</li>
<li>Sunday, July 5th - we got the following email: "We wanted to make you are aware of the counselor in the program who got tested for Covid-19 on Friday’s results, unfortunately the results came back as positive." That email ended camp for L & J. They would need to be quarantined for 2 weeks and then we were going to pull them out the last week as an extra precaution before our trip to Florida with my parents and sister's family.</li>
<li>Wednesday, July 8th - we take the girls to a parking lot at Nationwide to get tested for Coronavirus. After waiting in a car line for about 45 minutes we got L tested....it was supposed to be both girls, but for some reason the hospital didn't have the test request for both L & J, so we could only get L tested. This was not a fun experience for L. They put a swab in her nose and scraped around for 10 seconds. Everyone was rewarded with ice cream after.</li>
<li>Friday, July 10th - we got the call saying Lucy's results were negative! This was great news even though the two caveats were that there is a good chance the the test could be a false negative (and she actually is positive) and it didn't matter in terms of going back to camp. We were told that both girls still needed to stay away from camp for the full 2 weeks of Quarantine. Nothing like paying for a full 7 weeks of camp, while only getting 4 weeks. We've had a lot of experience in paying for things (CMEC and camp) that we don't end up using</li>
</ul>
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Anyway, we are now doing the work / kids at home balancing act like before. The good news is that after we make it the next two weeks, we will have some time off in Florida.</div>
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This whole thing has been so weird. On one hand it was great that we were able to get L tested (and that her results were negative) and that the results came back in only two days (I've heard its a lot more in other areas). The bad news is that camp was still canceled and the potential for a false negative is still scary. People could get a negative result and then go around infecting other people. This virus and entire situation is just so strange to be dealing with and I just hope that it ends soon.</div>
Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-65399402832996739552020-05-11T12:48:00.000-05:002020-05-11T12:48:17.004-05:00Cold TurkeyIt's just different. I was listening to a podcast the other day between Bill Simmons and Chuck Klosterman (two writers I enjoy reading) and Klosterman was making the point that this is the first national story that has ever directly impacted his day to day life. The three big national events since I turned 18 were:<br />
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<ol>
<li>9/11</li>
<li>Hurricane Katrina</li>
<li>2007/ 2008 Financial Crisis</li>
</ol>
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I am not including elections in the above list, but you could include the 2008 and 2016 elections if you wanted to expand this to 5. Regardless those 5 events changed how I thought about certain things / people and certainly had a major impact on our country....but my day to day life was essentially unchanged. Now I understand that by writing that I am highlighting my good luck and privilege, but it is also the truth. Nothing really compares to this current moment. It's just different.</div>
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There are so many differences that it's hard to even know where to start. I keep going back to the feeling like this is just one big "cold turkey" experiment. What would happen if we gave up dining out, traveling, sports, school, working in the office, etc? If you had asked me to give up any one of those things for Lent, I would have immediately balked at the suggestion. And now we are giving all of those things up all at once? It's been quite the life change (my daughter is brushing her American Girl doll one foot away from me as I write this) that brings up more questions than answer. Here are the top 5 questions:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>When will this end?</li>
<li>What will post-corona-virus world look like? </li>
<li>How many people will die? </li>
<li>Will there be an analysis on what we as a country did well and what we could improve upon next time?</li>
<li>What are the big things that I am not even thinking about? </li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
I don't really have a good answer to any of those questions. There is an ongoing debate between continuing to practice social distancing versus reopening the economy. People engaging in this debate seem to be very confident about their argument. I am much less confident. I am extremely worried about both the health aspects of the virus (and thus the need for proper social distancing) and also the economic and mental health issues that come from social distancing. I don't know the right answer for and just hope that leaders (ex. Governors, CEOs, etc) are getting accurate information and are making decisions that appropriately measures risk. (I purposely didn't include our current President, because he seems completely ill equipped to deal with this crisis. Every single day he does or says something that boggles my mind.)</div>
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In terms of our family, M and I have gotten into a routine and we have no plans to change that in the near future. I go on a long walk every day while listening to either book or a podcast. We generally watch a movie at night. We try to get the kids to go on a bike ride or a walk. During the week we both work while also trying to entertain / teach L and J. This is tricky. We have 3 meals a day from home...breakfast is normally cereal, lunch is either leftovers or sandwiches and then we try out a meal for dinner. I feel like our cooking has been pretty good and I am pleased with how that is going. As a treat during the weekend we order out (pizza, sushi and tacos). We have seen a few people from 6 feet apart, but really our interactions with people are much, much lower than in the pre-quarantine world. We are acting like we have the virus and basically are just staying at home.<br />
<br />
Now how will I think about this in 10 years? That was another interesting perspective in the Simmons / Klosterman podcast. Klosterman brought up that in 10 years we will be getting all these opinion pieces in 10 years about how the quarantine had many benefits since families got spend a lot of quality time together. In some cases we don't even have to wait 10 years to get some articles like this one from The Atlantic: <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/06/quarantine-motherhood-reset/610603/">My Family Needed A Reset, Quarantine Gave Us One</a>. I wonder how I will think about this. Will I look back on this fondly? Will this be a pivot point where so many things change? (Examples that have been brought up: universal basic income, more working from home, medicare for all, change in retail / restaurants) Will this be just a minor blip and we as a country and individually as a family revert back to normal? As of now there are just significantly more questions than answers.</div>
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Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-70271272977179405682020-04-20T14:38:00.001-05:002020-04-20T14:42:21.657-05:00Life during the CoronaviriusTime for another update! Not much has really changed, since my last post. We are still in quarantine, which means work, play, home cooked meals, bike rides, movies, etc. I can't tell if time is going quickly (it's been a full month of this) or slowly (is it only 9am?). In some ways time doesn't really exist besides the fact that Monday - Friday are still work days for the grown ups and school days (well at least partial school days) for the kids.<br />
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<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, I've been reading a baseball writer from New Albany named Craig Calcaterra a good bit. He is very active with twitter and is doing a daily Pandemic Diaries. I can't come close to keeping up with a daily diary....despite the fact that I am not doing anything away from home, I still feel plenty busy enough with work, playing with my daughters, cooking at home, going on bike rides, movies, etc. Anyway, I liked the question and answer portion from <a href="https://craigcalcaterra.com/blog/the-pandemic-diary-april-5/">his post last week</a> and thought I would play along:</div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;">When was the last day you went in to work?</strong></div>
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Monday, March 16th. The week before was one of the strangest week's of my life and I tried to go with the day to day recap in my last post. L Brands hadn't officially made the call for all of us to work from home, so I was at work on that Monday. I had an idea it might be my last day at the office, and sure enough when I left work that day I took my monitor and my docking station, so that I could set up a proper home office.</div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">When did your state or city order everyone to stay at home?</strong></strong></div>
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March 23rd - but by that time nothing really changed for us....we were already home quarantined</div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Has there been a particular change to your lifestyle that has been difficult to make or accept? </strong></strong></strong></div>
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So the options would be travel, sports, dining out, working from home and hanging out with friends. I feel like the decision comes down to the final two. I miss traveling with our family (and canceling our Spring Break trip wasn't fun), but this just feels like one of those times where we in between trips. Dining out is also something I miss, but I enjoy cooking and sometimes with young kids it is just easier to have meals at home. Sports is obviously a huge part of my life, but I can watch old Duke games and read plenty of articles on the NFL draft and retrospectives on favorite players, games, etc. So it comes down working from home and hanging out with friends. All things considered working from home has been the most difficult to accept. I generally like my job / coworkers and miss the normal work life. Also, it is tough to do my job, support M with her job and have both of us try and teach / play with the kids. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">What do you miss the most?</strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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I definitely miss hanging out with friends. Bexley is a close community and it is really tough not having dinners and time with our friends in the neighborhood. It is hard for the kids to tell them to be socially distanced from their friends. I would give up travel, sports and dining out before I gave up just normal interactions among friends. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">What is the most unusual thing you have noticed since this crisis began?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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I am not sure if this is the most unusual thing, but a random observation is seeing how my kids handle the situation. My 3 year old will sometimes lead the family prayer before dinner and almost always ends it with something like "and I hope the coronavirus doesn't get us." Also, she will talk about how she wants to travel to the beach "on the first day the coronavirus is gone." She doesn't seem to be negatively impacted by this quarantine, but she definitely has an understanding that something unusual is happening now. I find it fascinating how she is processing this situation. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Do you know anyone who has COVID-19?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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Yes - someone I went to high school (and the brother of a friend) as well as someone on my K Academy team. When I found out about those two people having it, it really hit home more than just reading about the virus. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Do you know anyone who had died from complications related to COVID-19?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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No</div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">How long do you think it will be before the stay-at-home order is lifted in your community?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">No idea - I would be thrilled if life was back to normal by Memorial Day.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Will you immediately return to your normal routine after the stay-at-home order is lifted? Or will you wait before returning to normal? If you’ll wait, how much longer will you do so?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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I can't imagine any of this will be like a light switch, where it goes from abnormal (or the "new normal" as so many people keep saying) to normal. I feel like it will be gradual. </div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">What’s the first thing you want to do when the stay-at-home order is lifted?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I am going to cheat and say 3 things: 1) go on a date with M and without the kids 2) plan a new trip using some of the credits we got from Delta 3) go play basketball with friends - I had been on a pretty good routine playing basketball 1-2 a week and would love to get back to that.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Have you been ordering food out from local restaurants (carry-out or delivery)?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">No. We have thought about it, but haven't ordered any food out in a month. Normally we have enough food from our large grocery store trips. </span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;">How often have you been going to the grocery store?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Once a week. We generally buy a lot, but still feel like we need replenishments after about 7 days.</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Will you wear a mask when you go out?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Yes - I didn't the last time, but would like to try and be cautions</span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Do you think other people have been taking this crisis seriously?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal;">Yes - there seems to be some people who have downplayed the virus initially, but most people seem to be taking it seriously. Of course I talk to a lot less people that before so who knows if my sample size is large enough.</span></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Do you think people have been over-reacting to this situation?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal;">I'm not sure, but I don't think so. When so many different people and organizations come to the same conclusion it seems like either one big example of group think or everyone is reacting appropriately.</span></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">How many people do you think will eventually die from COVID-19?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal;">I don't really want to guess that. </span></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Do you think schools will re-open yet this year?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal;">I just found out that they wouldn't....but we kind of have been </span></span>anticipating<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.5px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal;"> schools would be closed for the year. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><br /></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></div>
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Do you think that summer sports like baseball will occur?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: times new roman;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yes - in some capacity. There will likely be games with no fans first.</span></span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">What is one thing you have done since this crisis started that you don’t usually do?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Good question....I still do a lot of the same things I used to do (cooking, walks, playing with the kids, etc) but now I just do more of it. Essentially any home activity has increased.</span></span><br />
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<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;">Is there anything that has changed in your life since this crisis began that you hope to keep after the crisis ends?</strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #070707; font-family: abril-text, abril-text-1, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><strong style="box-sizing: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word;"></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong></strong><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">Our personal budget is pretty amazing from a spending perspective, and I would love to keep that going in the future. I am hoping that this slows life down a little bit and that we can find a happy medium between our old life (trips + dining out) and our new life (saving more money, but with less experiences). It's going to be tough to balance because experiences are really fun (and presumably could be good for the children), but I do like the idea (at least in theory) of running a tighter budget.</span></span></div>
Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-24732434757407200222020-03-30T08:59:00.002-05:002020-03-30T08:59:23.528-05:00Coronavirius - day whateverI've never really been one to sit still. As a child I loved and would go to every camp my parents would send me to. I think one year I went to 5 basketball camps (Millsaps, Mississippi College, St. Andrews, Jackson Academy and NC State if memory serves me correctly). It wasn't that I didn't enjoy home....I enjoyed my parents, my older sister, watching TV, video games, etc. It's just I never really sat still much.<br />
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The first big decision I ever made for myself was where I would go to college. I applied to 7 schools with only one of them being in my home state and only a couple within a short drive. My top two choices were both 12 hours away and I finally settled on a mid-sized school in the middle of a cornfield.<br />
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Miami University was a wonderful school to attend - one with amazing teachers, a perfect campus and a lot of truly great friends. To give you an understanding of my love for Miami, I've done some college recruiting for them after I graduated. One key trait I always make sure to talk about to high school students is the study abroad program at Miami. I was fortunate enough to travel to China, South Korea, Japan and Hawaii during a summer abroad program that is and will always be one of my most favorite things I have ever done.<br />
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Not that I had many choices out of college, but I ended up accepting a job even farther away from my home state and going to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Much like the transition to college, I didn't know a single person when I moved up to Minnesota. Now I am forever thankful for that decision because without going up to Minnesota I wouldn't have met my wife.<br />
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M and I have loved traveling and are lucky enough to have gone both to place far away (Spain, England, France, etc) and close by (my friends make fun of my love of going to random Midwest cities to check out the BBQ and minor league baseball). This spring break was going to be our next great adventure - we had booked flights / hotels / train tickets to visit Paris and Switzerland partly to visit a college friend (one from the study abroad program mentioned in the 3rd paragraph) who lives abroad permanently.<br />
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Spring break was canceled this year because of the Coronavirus pandemic that has been spreading across the United States. It wasn't the only thing canceled....here is a quick timeline of a very strange week:<br />
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Friday, March 6th - M and I got a babysitter so we could go out to eat and go see a comedian (Iliza) we really like. It was a fun night.<br />
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Saturday, March 7th - we took the kids to LegoLand at Easton - overall we found it to be a little disappointing<br />
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Sunday, March 8th - we organized a playdate with Julie's best friend.<br />
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Monday, March 9th - we canceled our trip to Europe. That was a running conversation topic the previous 3 days, and we finally made the call that we didn't want to be stuck in Europe if the Coronavirus got worse. M and I talked about possibly booking another Spring Break trip to Utah or Tampa or some place within driving distance. We thankfully didn't book anything<br />
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Tuesday, March 10th - nothing big happened - just a normal day at work<br />
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Wednesday, March 11th - I went to my weekly basketball game and during that game the following 3 things happened: 1) Trump canceled flights to Europe, which made our decision on Monday irrelevant 2) Rudy Gobert (one my favorite basketball players) tested positive for the Coronavirus right before the Jazz / Thunder game was about to start 3) The Nba season was canceled. All of this happened during the 2 hour time period.<br />
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Thursday, March 12th - The NCAA tournament was canceled. It is amazing to me that this went from something I would have never even considered to something that barely surprised me. Also, Governor DeWine canceled school for 3 weeks. At this point we have all realized how serious this has become.<br />
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So in a week we went from going to a crowded comedy show to everything being canceled / postponed. Since that time we have used brand new phrases like "social distancing." M and I have done a pretty good job of limiting exposure to everyone and an adequate job of managing working from home (we are both are still employed) while taking care of two kids. I know it is overused, but it has just been crazy. Restaurants have been forced to close dine in options and currently only have takeout available. Every day we get a new state and federal update on what is being closed and how the coronavirius is impacting our daily life. Through this all I have been asked to do something that isn't familiar to me - to sit still.<br />
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So here I am sitting. Not moving. Not planning a trip or a ballgame (all sports are canceled) to see. Not even planning a date night for M because we don't feel comfortable having a babysitter watch the kids....and even if we did there is no place to go. I would like to say that this sitting still has made me into an uber productive person, but the three pictures I got for my birthday are still not hung and my Dad's taxes are still not completed. I have learned to be a little bit less frenetic. There is no where to go, so I can sleep in and go on long bike rides with my two children. I can spend time with my family without much outside pressure (you know minus the work that I need to do during te week). I can watch movies - pretty much every night we have family movie night with Tarzan, Frozen, The Parent Trap, etc. I can try out new recipes - I made chicken fried rice and I might be wondering why this wasn't a staple during my college years.<br />
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Things aren't perfect - I still can get distracted with the news (yesterday Dr. Fauci predicted between 100,000 and 200,000 people will die in the United States). I also can be short with M or my children. I have periodically just shut down and gone to bed for a few hours just to try and recharge. I am not making as much progress with work as I wish I could. <br />
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Still I move on. Still we go through this. There is no real end to this post besides just writing my thoughts down on a time in my life where I am just sitting still.<br />
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<br />Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-69392780687657597732020-01-22T12:04:00.001-06:002020-01-22T12:04:18.476-06:007 Up<span style="font-family: inherit;">Inspired by the <a href="http://tommytomlinson.com/56-up/">Tommy Tomlinson post</a> (which was inspired by a "<span style="background-color: white; color: #505050;">famous British documentary series called the Up series, where director Michael Apted started following a group of 7-year-olds and has returned to them every seven years to see how their lives have changed") I decided to do my own 7 Up review:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>7 Up (1990)</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a few years at Beth Israel pre-school in Jackson, MS,
I started my first grade year at a new school. I didn’t know it at the time but
I will spend the next 12 years (grades 1 through 12) at St. Andrew’s Episcopal
school. I didn’t know that at this place I would meet my best friend, play
basketball and even be employed at for many summers. Besides school I have a nice,
stable family life with my two parents and my older sister. I thought (still
think) my sister knows everything. It’s kind of nice when things don’t change
much over time. Other than that I don’t really remember too much in terms of
issues or notes. I live in a nice home (the same home my parents still own) and
have a great life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>14 Up (1997)</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve caught the sports bug, which is pretty common growing
up in Mississippi, but people keep telling me that my obsession is even more
pronounced. Mississippi has zero professional teams and the state’s college
programs only have modest success, so that means I went around picking my favorite
teams based on seemingly random things. In the NBA I loved the Utah Jazz after
getting a John Stockton card and then later seeing him on TV. I thought (still
think) he was such a smart, amazing player and I wanted to play basketball just
like him. In the NFL I picked the Miami Dolphins because their QB (Dan Marino)
seemed to be the perfect player. While other teams were running the ball, the
Dolphins seemed to pass the ball on every single play. For college basketball I
loved Duke for winning back to back titles in 1991 and 1992. This was an
especially good year in college football as my favorite team the Nebraska
Cornhuskers won the National Title after beating Peyton Manning’s Tennessee
team. The one sport missing was baseball, but I had fallen out of love with the
sport after the 1994 MLB strike and didn’t have a favorite team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>21 Up (2004)</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Junior Year at Miami University was one of my favorite years
of all time. I loved the school, my classes and I had a solid group of friends
+ a girlfriend I met my sophomore year. It had been tough my freshmen year
moving from the only place I had ever lived (Mississippi) to a medium sized
college in the middle of a cornfield in Ohio, but by my Junior Year I was very
comfortable and happy with the change. My life consisted of studying, playing
Madden, hanging out with friends and going to bars. This year I had my first
big trip as I did a study abroad program through the school of business where I
went to China, South Korea, Japan and Hawaii. This trip was truly amazing and
is hard to describe in the appropriate words. I am grateful that Miami offered
the program, my parents paid for it and my girlfriend helped convince me to go.
Also, at this time I started following politics a little bit closer. The more I
read about the President (George W Bush) and the Iraq War the less I liked. I
was convinced the rest of the country felt the same way, and was shocked in
2004 when John Kerry lost. It was strange going from not caring about the 2000
election at all to being so disappointed in the 2004 election. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>28 Up (2011)</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These 7 years were pretty key
in establishing my life. After graduating from college I took a job at Target
Corporation and moved farther north to Minneapolis. I will forever be grateful for
the 2 years at Target because they gave me my first job and it’s also where I
met my spouse. A 2006 date that started when we met at the Mary Tyler Moore
statue in downtown Minneapolis eventually led to an engagement (2009) and a
wedding (2010). Anyway, this time period is a little easier to look back on
because I was active with my blog (68 posts this year!). One thing part of a
post that stuck out was this: “For a
variety of reasons, I feel like my life is now focused on what I do not have
and what has been given up. M and I do not live close to our family. We do not
own a home. We do not have children. We don't even have a dog. We have jobs we
like, but I can't say that we have the absolute best career ever. We are newly
married 28 year olds, who are focused on improving our finances, job skills,
experiences and basically preparing for the next stages in our life.” One big
change we made in 2011 was the decision to move from Minneapolis to Columbus.
We wanted to buy a home, start a family and we felt like it would be easier to
do that closer to M’s family. The next step was interviewing for jobs (both of
us at the same company) and then actually getting the job. Thankfully we both
were lucky enough to get jobs (one day apart) and we made the big decision to
move at the end of 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><b>35 Up (2018)</b></u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So all the preparation led to something….no
other 7 year time period produced more change than this. After we moved from
Minneapolis to Columbus we bought a home (2012), had our first child (2013),
had our second child (2016) and had a few internal job moves (including a promotion
in 2013). Also, my life now becomes more of a “we” situation. I guess that is
natural with a family, but it is interesting to see how this compared to other
checkpoints in my life. Overall I like my job – it is challenging (in a good
way) with smart coworkers and a great work / life balance. I’ve been at the
same company for all 7 years and that comes with more vacation days and a
certain level of professional confidence. Overall the biggest thing about this
7 year time period is adjusting to being a Dad. Having L hit me hard – not in a
bad way, but just in a way that it completely changed my life in a way that
greatly exceeded other changes (graduating high school, moving, new job, etc). There
is nothing like being a first time parent and adjusting to the lack of sleep, new
schedule and someone completely dependent on you (and M). One thing I found out was that I loved being a
parent. There is a real sense of accomplishment that I get in being a father
and I can’t imagine my life any other way. </span>Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-87234945088706249312019-06-25T13:58:00.000-05:002019-06-25T13:59:44.092-05:00<b><i><u>Written (but stuck in my drafts and never published) 1.5 years ago:</u></i></b><br />
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There was exactly one Mississippi fan happily picking up confetti after <a href="http://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=401026260">Notre Dame's stunning victory</a> in the Women's National Title game. She was the same person who excitedly responded to my somber "We need to go" after Arike Ogunbowale with a "Yay! We get to go on the escalator again." She was my companion for the Final Four game a couple days before, where Mississippi State was the lucky winner against Louisville. She had just gotten into basketball (every day I was asked who won the previous, who was playing tonight, who I was rooting for and who was going to win) and even filled her first bracket (96% of people entering an ESPN bracket finished with a better bracket than her). She is my nearly 5 year old daughter Lucy.<br />
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I knew Mississippi State was going to win. The strange stuff that all came together to make it happened seemed too perfect.<br />
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1) They were playing 10 minutes from my house<br />
2) They had a dramatic win over Uconn last year before losing in the title game<br />
3) They were returned all their key players and had one of the best teams in the country<br />
4) They won a dramatic game (needing a 3 pointer and two point blank misses by Louisville) in the Final Four<br />
5) The best team in women's basketball (Unconn) lost to a good (but statistically not as good) Notre Dame team....which meant State went from being a huge underdog in the title game (if they played Uconn) to a 2 point favorite<br />
6) Lucy - she was at the right age. A year ago would have been too soon and it would have been difficult to sit through an entire basketball game. This year at this age was close to perfect. She didn't fully understand what was going on (it didn't help that our seats were literally in the last row), but was attentive and cheering with me<br />
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I knew Mississippi State was going to win going into the game, at halftime when they were up 13, with under 2 minutes to go when they were up 5 and even at the end when it was tied. There was no way I could have expected to see what is easily one of the greatest shots in basketball history. I have watched the video too many times and each time I can't believe it actually goes in. We had seats in the last row on Notre Dame's side (for the second half) and could see the ball stay in the air for much longer than a normal shot and then fall in. The worst thing about having seats in the last row is that there is a moment where you don't fully know if the ball actually went in or if your eyes are deceiving you. At that moment, I looked around and started to see Notre Dame's players celebrating and it finally sunk in. Mississippi State lost.<br />
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In the end the game didn't go as well as expected, but still this will be one of my favorite memories with my daughter. She was a wonderful fan and I am thrilled I got to experience this with her.<br />
<br />Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-55046470386092530652019-06-20T10:47:00.002-05:002019-06-20T10:47:33.283-05:00K Academy (Day 5)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1Q8Jsn6WVU/XQupToWc2pI/AAAAAAAABBc/ar04yzbaqJgJ6TxAUAmalwkSx4ngN1mJQCLcBGAs/s1600/Coach%2BK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1Q8Jsn6WVU/XQupToWc2pI/AAAAAAAABBc/ar04yzbaqJgJ6TxAUAmalwkSx4ngN1mJQCLcBGAs/s320/Coach%2BK.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Just a few weeks delayed on this post, but after the 5th and final day ended I went to the airport and flew back to reality....and unfortunately back in reality I don't post as much on my blog. Now I have a little bit of a break and I am ready to write my last daily entry. (I still need to do one big final recap of K Academy, but as anyone who has already talked to me already knows I struggle properly conveying how truly amazing this trip was because worse like "great" or "amazing" just don't seem strong enough.)<br />
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Anyway, day 5 was tournament day. The night before we received another bag with a shirt, sweatshirt and two jersey / short combinations. (I had to check two bags home. I did a very poor job of packing for this trip.) Thankfully our team went 5-0 and was the #1 seed, which meant that we would be the "home" team all tournament and only had to worry about wearing our white jerseys. The day started off with an early morning game against a team we had played before. I was a little worried because I thought our team might be over-confident since we had already beat this team before, we were 5-0 and it might be tough with an 8:30am start time. We started off slow (halftime we were down 9-8), but really turned it on in the 2nd half (winning that 24-13) and won going away. I made one 3 pointer that felt like a gift from above. (Later that shot would make the "One Shining Moment" video they played after the title game).<br />
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Anyway, we won our first game and I really felt like our team was going to win it all. It didn't happen that way. We played Team Seattle at 11:30am in the Final Four. Seattle was good (5-2 going into the game) with a strong point guard. We were tied at halftime 17-17, but really I felt like it should have been a large lead for us. Seattle's defense against us was to pack the paint and let us shoot open 3 pointers. I felt like this was going to be my "Natchez Cathedral" game and I was going to hit about 6 3 pointers. Instead I hit half that amount finishing 3-10 on 3 pointers. The rest of the team didn't shoot better and we finished 8-30 from 3. Coach Duhon talked about how we got a little 3 happy, which was clearly the case when 30 out of our 42 shots were 3 pointers. I felt like we were open and I would have loved another chance against the team. Anyway, we lost 45-33.<br />
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One of the interesting things from the game was that JJ Redick came in town and was sitting next to Coach K and our bench. There was a moment in the game where I was checking in and it was just Coach K, the greatest shooter in Duke history and then me all occupying the same 10 foot space. I just couldn't help but smile because these were my heroes about to watch me play at Cameron Indoor Stadium. That made it even more unfortunate that I didn't shoot better and our team didn't win.<br />
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With the game being over I hung around Cameron for the rest of the day and saw the title game between Team Seattle (the team that just beat us) and Team Minneapolis (a team we beat a few days earlier). It was a very close game that Team Minneapolis won. After that game they got to cut down the nets, got a trophy and celebrated a title I felt like we should have won.<br />
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Regardless of winning or losing those the day went well. I got my picture with Coach K and JJ Redick, enjoying playing a couple more games in Cameron and just enjoyed soaking it all in with the Duke players and friends from camp. I didn't want to leave. Obviously that was not an option, which just makes me want to go back to a place that really feels like a fantasy. This will likely be a final part of the recap, but my advice to anyone is if you have something you really, really, really want to do then find a way to do it. You can always come up with excuses why you shouldn't do it, but I truly can't imagine my life without this experience. It was the best 5 days of my life because unlike most vacations there was no negative. There was no downside. It was just one of my favorite activities (basketball) with a bunch of awesome and like minded individuals and a bunch of my heroes. Anyway, Go Duke!<br />
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<br />Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-80445477716638742612019-06-01T21:38:00.000-05:002019-06-01T21:38:01.589-05:00K Academy Day 4This year at K Academy there are 12 teams, which means that the top 4 teams get a bye into the quarterfinals. With the 35+ crowd rest is a good thing. Team San Antonio (my team) went into today feeling pretty good at 4-0. But there five teams at 3-1 and we had no idea how tiebreakers were going to work. The best thing we could do was win and make sure that we got a bye. The only issue with that was we were playing a very good Team Indianapolis coached by Jon Scheyer and Luke Kennard. (One note on Scheyer - that guy is lucky / good at K Academy considering his all-tine record is 46-13. Scheyer picks good teams.) <div>
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How did the game go? Well it was a little bit tough at the start. Teams seem to be missing significantly more shots than in early games. The good news is that we were playing pretty good defense. I was able to hit a key 3 when we were down at the end of the second half and made a great pass (in my humble opinion) to one of our best players when we were down 1. He made 1 of 2 (which is better than me since I missed the front end of a 1-1) and we went to overtime. Overtime we again found ourselves down....this time by 3 with about 40 seconds left. I found our big man (who has a good shot) in the corner for a 3 and the tie. We did have to hold off as Mark Kennard (Luke's Dad) had a baseline jumper that would have won the game.....and would have won it against me since I was his defender. </div>
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Anyway, I am getting long-winded but the game was very dramatic. Nothing was more dramatic then the end. The second overtime was set up as first shot to make it wins. My assistant coach told me to try to steal the back tip and take it in for a game winning layup. Well the ball was back tipped, but Mark Kennard had the angle on me. I dove for the ball and undercut Kennard for an obvious foul on me. At that moment in time I thought I cost the team the game because Kennard would get free throws because of my foul. Also, I looked down and he is in obvious pain from my undercut. I felt so horrible on both ends and truly had my "what did I just do" Cameron moment. (I didn't expect to have that moment and wouldn't recommend it.) Anyway, Coach K was watching and said the sudden death couldn't end on free throws. We ended up playing tough defense and came down and one of our shooters hit a big time 3 pointer to send us home happy. I felt like Quinn Cook / Seth Curry watching Austin Rivers shoot against UNC at the Dean Dome. I could see the ball in the air and I felt like it was going in. After he made it we all jumped around in the middle of Cameron. It is hard to explain how amazing that was to actually experience.</div>
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The rest of the day included the following:</div>
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<ul>
<li> Relaxing while watching other teams play. There were two great / dramatic games and a common theme from the people attending the camp is that this is a very evenly matched camp.</li>
<li>The old Duke players played the current Duke team in a scrimmage. It was very intense and the only prediction I can make is that Alex O'Connell is going to have a huge year for Duke. He was the best player on the court for a good portion of the game.</li>
<li>We had a fun talk and question and answer session with Coach K and the Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. Garrett was very open and engaging when asked some relatively tough questions</li>
<li>Tonight we had another great dinner, but this time with our team. After that we went up to one of the luxury boxes at the football stadium. Our coaches (Duhon / Parks) gave us an amazing inspirational speech and right now as I write this I feel like we are in a great spot to win the title tomorrow. Like Duhon told us "We don't have to change anything we are doing. We are 5-0 for a reason." </li>
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Anyway, more to come tomorrow - the unfortunate last day of camp</div>
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Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-77970322108662562762019-05-31T18:05:00.000-05:002019-05-31T18:05:39.020-05:00K Academy Day 3I can't tell if I am being annoying (which is probably a strange way of starting a blog post) with my friends / family, but this is truly amazing. I just walk around here with a smile on my face. It's hard to keep up with everything that happens in one day. It's almost like a full year+ of experience all in one day. And then doing that again. And again for 5 full days. Here are some highlights from today:<br />
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<ul>
<li>We had film session in the Duke locker room to check out our games from the previous day. One of the plays was a 3 pointer I hit. I am not saying it looked exactly like my time at St. Andrew's, but it looked close enough. </li>
<li>In the locker room they put up signs. And really these two signs should not be in the same locker room</li>
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<li>Team went 2-0 again to bring our record to 4-0. We have two really good post players and a few capable shooters. We were lucky in our second game to play a team that was down 3 players due to injury. That made things much easier because they were very, very tired since they couldn't substitute anyone.</li>
<li>Injuries are a big topic of conversation at camp. I guess when you get a bunch of 35+ players who are high on adrenaline and want to push themselves there is a good chance a lot of them will get injured</li>
<li>I had one somewhat major scare in the early game at Cameron. The opposing team stole the ball and was going down for a 2 on 1 fast break. I sprinted back to try and either steal the ball (which was likely impossible because I started from so far behind) or foul the guy going up for a layup. I accomplished the second goal and in the meantime got tangled up and banged my head very hard against the floor at Cameron. The sound was very, very loud and immediately the Duke trainer and Chris Duhon (our coach) rushed over to check me out. They had me not move and asked me a few questions about being dizzy. Thankfully I was fine. My favorite question when they were evaluating me was when they asked who this was and pointed at Duhon. I immediately replied "that is Chris Duhon. He hit the game winning reverse layup against UNC in 2004. I think I even quoted the score (84-82), which now that I looked it up I was actually off. Duke won 83-81. Below is a picture before the game of Coach Duhon giving us advice</li>
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<ul>
<li>I hit some shots....mainly in the second game. I scored 10 points with a couple 3s. Also, I had 4 assists and look forward to seeing where I stand on the assist leader board. M and some friends have said I pass too much (probably true), but I enjoy getting everyone involved.</li>
<li>At the end of the game (when were up about 20) I tried an Nba range 3 and missed it completely. Chris Duhon asked me to do 5 push-ups so in the middle of the game I did them. When 2001 National Champion and one of Duke's greatest players ever asks you do pushup during a game you do them.</li>
<li>The afternoon was all about Minnesota. The team we played (and beat) was Team Minneapolis and before / after the game I did some shooting competitions with Matthew Hurt (from Minnesota). He is the 11th ranked recruit in the nation and I am happy to report that I was hot and actually beat him in the first two around the world 3 point contests. He did end up winning the series by winning the next 3. We also played Horse and it was somewhat similar. I won the first (partly thanks to some fluky shots I use against one friend back home). He won the next two. he seems like a great guy and I am excited to see how he plays for Duke</li>
<li>During lunch I was behind Coach K in line for shrimp and cheeseburgers. He asked how I was doing and I said "great - my team is 3-0. Winning is pretty fun." He replied "That's excellent. Winning is really fun." I then thanked him for this camp, which he then gave credit to his wonderful staff</li>
<li>I met and talked to Justise Winslow (one of my favorite players from the 2015 national title team) while wearing a shirt that Justise's name on it. Of course I got a picture </li>
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Off for drinks / dinner. One game tomorrow at 9:30am at Cameron. To watch the game go to:</div>
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Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-75399369360737437652019-05-30T22:44:00.003-05:002019-05-30T22:44:49.572-05:00K Academy Day 2Last night we had our draft and I was picked by Team San Antonio coached by Chris Duhon, Cherokee Parks and Alex O'Connell. It was pretty cool to hear your name announced and go up and meet your new coaches / teammates. That set everything up for today where the games started.<br />
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We had two games....one at 12:30pm and then against at 4:30pm. Here were the main highlights from the games<br />
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<ol>
<li>Our team went 2-0</li>
<li>My first shot was a wing 3. I made it. What a great experience to hit a 3 in Cameron Indoor Stadium</li>
<li>I made a few decent passes and ended the day with a team high 7 assists</li>
<li>I took a charge. The fact that it was uncalled doesn't make it less of a charge. I set my feet, waited for my guy and did my best Wojo / Battier.</li>
<li>After a particularly good run by my team I slapped the floor. It was a pretty aggressive slap, but I felt like I had to do that at some point in the camp</li>
<li>M and others were able to watch the games online, which was pretty cool. I got a pretty extensive analysis from two friends watching online</li>
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Anyway here are some cool pictures from the day</div>
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All-time Duke great and one of the few with his jerseys in the rafters: Shane Battier</div>
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The freshmen year class for Duke with my K Academy friend Sarah. Wendell Moore was my evaluation game coach and is going to be the best of the group</div>
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Duke great and also future Jazz star Grayson Allen</div>
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More pictures to come tomorrow....and for the few of you following the live stream below is our schedule:</div>
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<li>10:30am at Cameron</li>
<li>2:15pm at the K Center</li>
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This whole thing is just amazing. Truly amazing</div>
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Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-43244922672992895112019-05-29T17:53:00.001-05:002019-05-29T17:53:21.247-05:00K Academy (Day 1) Part TwoI finished day 1 from a basketball perspective. What an amazing experience. I shot the ball pretty well in our "evaluation game." Coaches (which are current and former players) watch the games and then draft even teams based on how people perform. It was a 12 minute game with substitutions, which ended up resulting in me playing the final 9 minutes. My first basket was on a fast break where Luke Kennard's Dad threw me a nice pass for a layup. Besides that I went 2-4 from 3.....and yes it is really nice to make a 3 in a game at the same place where Duke practices.<br />
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After the games I stayed around to get a few more shots up and ended up talking to former Duke starter Matt Jones from the 2015 National Title team for a little bit. I didn't realize it at the time, but the photographer ended up getting two pictures of that conversation:<br />
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<a href="https://www.kacademyphotos.com/portfolio/G0000ou0GH5g9AYI/I0000W26Uds2QeAo">K Academy Day 1: Matt Jones (1st one)</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.kacademyphotos.com/portfolio/G0000ou0GH5g9AYI/I0000Yw_TZLCJuDg">K Academy Day 1: Matt Jones (2nd one)</a><br />
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Obviously you are welcome to check out all of them if you want to get a glimpse of what K Academy is like<br />
<br />Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1737439866887627166.post-38232204817530644362019-05-29T10:04:00.000-05:002019-05-29T10:04:04.323-05:00K Academy (Day 1)So I made it! I am sitting here at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club and I just went and officially checked in for K Academy fantasy camp. It still doesn't feel completely real - even with the bag of Duke merchandise filled to the brim with shirts, shoes, sweatshirts, etc. Maybe the best part of it all are the two jerseys. I was given 94, which will do me just fine considering I loved the 1994 Duke basketball team and it is only one number off from the number (14) I wore in high school. Maybe a picture will do it more justice:<br />
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I am about to go down for lunch and try to see what other crazy people do something like K Academy. I am pretty hungry considering I had a small Starbucks breakfast at 5am thanks to my 6 am flight from Columbus. The great news is that the early time was the only negative from the flight. It was cheap, on-time, allowed me to celebrate M's bday last night and I had an entire row to myself since only 18 people were on the flight. That allowed me to sleep on the plane, which will hopefully positively impact my performance this afternoon during open gym (1:30pm - 2:30pm) and then evaluation games (3:30pm). Then tonight I have "Cocktails in Cameron" followed by dinner and the K Academy draft. I should know my team (and therefore my more detailed schedule including game times) after tonight.<br />
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<br />Kevin Malphurshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08349529023246468160noreply@blogger.com0