Sunday, September 29, 2024
ROAD WARRIOR
51
Earlier this month, I celebrated another milestone - my fifty-first birthday. I am not one to think too deeply about birthdays or aging, but it is hard not to at my age!
In thinking about the 51 years I have spent on this earth, I am struck by how lucky I have been and what a wonderful life I have been blessed with. My dream of being a doctor came true. I have been able to have the career I always dreamed of as an academic physician. My parents are both still well, and I get along with both of them. I love my siblings, and I have a wonderful wife and children, who are incredibly talented and who are growing into remarkable young adults.
I have been able to weather personal and physical challenges and am still able to get up each day and go for a run without limitation or discomfort and clear my mind. Because of my job and the people in my life, I have a better appreciation for the beauty of nature and the everyday kindnesses that are easy to take for granted.
Altogether, I feel very fortunate to have had the life I have had. I do not know when my last day will come. Let's hope it is not for a while! However, if it comes tomorrow, I will die knowing that I have been blessed by so many amazing people, places, and opportunities. I will try to remember this truth everyday - and not just around birthdays - and to appreciate all I have to be thankful for.
PARENTS' WEEKEND
Sunday, September 1, 2024
STATE OF MINN
Sunday, August 18, 2024
WALZ WITHOUT CEILING
Kamala Harris picked Tim Walz (pronounced "walls"), the Governor of Minnesota, to be her running mate a few event-filled weeks back. Mr. Walz is quite a departure from the typical Democratic candidate. He is not a lawyer. He is not Ivy League-educated. He is not from a coast. He is not wealthy. He is a damn good choice.
Having grown up in rural Nebraska, Mr. Walz has dedicated himself to public service through serving in the military, teaching high school, coaching football, serving in Congress, and serving as Governor.
He is kind, down to earth, and enthusiastic. Famously, he branded the Republicans weird on a segment on Morning Joe, and he has been an ardent supporter of Vice President Harris even before she named him her running mate.
I am very hopeful that his message of patriotism, common sense, kindness, and defense of freedom will resonate with everyday Americans. We are all hungry for those things. Right now, Walz has no ceiling!
KAMALANOMENON
Sunday, July 14, 2024
CUATRO REYES
Today, Spain became the first nation to win the European Championship four times after beating England in a spirted match in Berlin.
Three of their European championships have come since 2008, making them champions in three of the last five championships. Importantly their 2008 and 2012 championships bookended a 2010 World Cup win, the first in their nation's history.
However, since 2012 Spain have looked a team adrift. Their tika taka, death by a thousand passes approach that won them the 2008, 2010, and 2012 titles, had become predictable. Oftentimes, their play lacked a killer instinct, and goals were few and far between.
However, things seem to have changed for the better with the appointment of their current coach Luis de la Fuente. He has brought a more aggressive, possession with purpose style of play and has also ushered in a new generation of players, including the fantastic 17 year old Lamine Yamale from Barca and Nico Williams from Atletico Madrid.
Today, these young man and the rest of the Spanish players were too much for England. Coupled with their UEFA Nations League title last year, Spain look to be the dominant men's team in Europe - just like their women's team whose World Cup victory we witnessed in 2023 in Australia.
I cannot wait to see the Spain team in the USA in the 2026 World Cup, where they have to be considered one of the favorites.
Until then, vamos Espana! You are truly cuatra reyes (four time kings)!