Secret Santa Whiskey and the Case of the Coughing Dog

Whiskey Exchange Bottles
Sampled on Friday Night

I am in a Secret Santa whiskey exchange with some friends and have been part of it for about four years now. It’s a fun tradition that lets me sample new whiskeys. The first two years, the friends who originally invited me to the group happened to draw my name. The past two years, though, the people who drew me were folks I didn’t know—and both times I didn’t receive my gift until well after the holiday season.

On Friday night, a few of us got together to meet, share, and talk about whiskey. It was a great time!

I took a Lyft to and from the event. When we did the gathering two years ago, Carrie was my designated driver. I told her I could easily take Lyft this year so she didn’t need to go. It worked out great—I had a fun time and got to connect with friends through a social activity I really enjoy.

Haverty Cousins in
Kansas City for Dinner

Last Thursday, Carrie and I traveled to Kansas City to meet up with some Haverty cousins. My brother was there too. We met at a new spot for us called J. Alexander’s Restaurant. It was really good! I’d definitely like to go back and try some other dishes. It’s a chain with locations in different cities, and I’d recommend it if you have the chance to visit one.

It’s a long weekend with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday. I’m spending the weekend watching sports, reading, and knocking out a few things around the house. I watched Washburn basketball on Saturday afternoon, where they won and moved to 17–0 on the season. I also caught some of the NFL games, even though my Chiefs are no longer playing.

Oliver Coughing

Oliver hasn’t been feeling well since Saturday afternoon. Out of the blue, he started coughing, hacking—just something nasty sounding. He’d been perfectly fine before that. He kept Carrie and me up all night with the coughing. We’re not sure what to do since it’s very similar to what he had about two years ago. When I took him to the vet back then, they said there wasn’t much they could do. It seems like he’s trying to get something out of his throat.

He’s still drinking water, eating, and asking for snacks, but the cough is rough. We were supposed to head to Lawrence to meet Erin and Greg for lunch, but we canceled so we could stay with Oliver.

After being up most of the night with him, I fully plan to take a nap or two today—possibly during the afternoon football game, which will make for good background noise while I snooze.

Another short and choppy update this week, but that’s how things go sometimes. I hope you have a great week!

Sunday Ramblings: Goals, Sports, and BBQ

Nothing specific to talk about in this week’s post, so this will be a bit of a meandering of topics and discussion as I begin writing on Sunday morning. We’ll see where it takes us and try not to go on too long on any one topic. Here we go...

Exercise Plans

In an earlier post, I mentioned plans for exercise. Well, here we are almost two weeks into 2026, and I still haven’t started my exercise plan. I intended to begin last week, which was my first full week back at work after the break, but it turned out to be tough to get going. So, I’m planning to start a routine this week. My first night at the gym will be Tuesday, January 13. I’ll be going to the gym at work where we have a free membership, something I should have taken advantage of all these years, but that hasn’t happened. I’ll report back in a month or so on progress in this area.

Reading Goals

My reading goal for 2026 is to read twenty-five books throughout the year. This means I need to read at least two books each month. I’m off to a good start for January. I’m currently reading three books, two of which I expect to finish before the end of the month, meeting my goal for January. Of course, this will get more difficult as the year goes on, but I’m feeling good so far. I read whenever I can: over lunch, some evenings after work, and every night before bed.

Washburn Basketball

We only have six home games left for Washburn basketball. The season seems to be flying by, but the team is doing great! We’re 16-0 and ranked #1 in NCAA Division II nationally. I’ve had to miss a few home games, but I’m hoping I won’t miss any of the remaining six. I’ve watched all of their away games and usually catch other teams in the league when they play, just to stay on top of things. It’s been fun!

Chiefs Season Recap

Closing out the NFL season for the Chiefs, it was a frustrating year to be a fan after a decade of dominance. The Chiefs finished 6-11. We couldn’t win the close games as we had in previous years, and then Mahomes was injured and is now recovering in the offseason. We’re still waiting to hear whether Travis Kelce will return. My hunch is that he’ll want to finish on a strong note, but that’s just a guess.

Kansas Jayhawks Update

Meanwhile, the Kansas Jayhawks are having some struggles. We’re 11-5 on the season. The talent is there, but getting it to gel during games has been tough. We had a surprise come-from-behind win last week that we probably should have lost, and then we dropped a game on Saturday that we could have won. Unless something changes, it’s going to be a short postseason.

BBQ Tour Follow-Up

I shared that we went on a BBQ tour in Kansas City the day after Christmas. I still owe you the winner of each category! The group of us hasn’t had a chance to meet, discuss, and compile the overall ratings yet. I should have those posted in the next week or two after we connect. We had scoring sheets, and each person (six of us total) ranked and recorded comments on why each place was the winner. I’m excited to see the overall report and reconnect with the group.

Political Environment

The political environment continues to be of interest to me, as it has been the past few years. I try to read and watch stories from both sides of the aisle. A year into the current administration, the tension from both sides still feels thick.

Closing Thoughts

Closing out this rambling Sunday post, I hope you have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week! What goals are you working on for 2026? Any book recommendations or favorite BBQ spots? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.

From Autobiographies to Fiction: My Year in Books

The year 2025 has concluded, and 2026 is already a few days into the new year. Every year, I participate in the Goodreads Reading Challenge, and I’m happy to report that I met my goal of 20 books for 2025. In fact, I read one additional book, bringing my total to 21. As of November, I was three books behind and unsure if I would meet my goal, but I powered through November and December and got it done.

I discovered that I really enjoy reading autobiographies and memoirs. I read a total of five in that category this past year. I expect I’ll read about the same number in 2026, along with other fiction I enjoy. Today, I want to highlight a few books from my 2025 list that I particularly liked and would recommend.

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

One book that had been recommended to me many years ago by my Uncle Michael was The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara. I finished it early in the year. It was one of my longer reads, but I enjoyed the story. It’s one of those books where, as you read, you can vividly picture the events unfolding like a movie.

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen was a book I discovered through Amazon’s First Reads program. I liked it so much that I bought the second book in the series and finished it over the summer. The story follows a retired spy trying to enjoy a peaceful retirement, only to be pulled back into the world of espionage when a murder occurs next door. It was a fun, fast-paced read.

The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb

Another book I picked up through Amazon First Reads was The River Is Waiting by Wally Lamb. I enjoyed both the story and the writing style, and I’ve already placed a hold for another one of his books.

Autobiographies and Memoirs

I started diving into autobiographies during the summer, beginning with 107 Days by Kamala Harris. I enjoyed it so much that I moved on to Becoming by Michelle Obama. From there, I read Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis by J.D. Vance, followed by Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah. I finished out the year with a quick read by Carrie Fisher called Wishful Drinking.

Those are the highlights from my 2025 reading, and I’m looking forward to the 2026 challenge. I’ve increased my goal from 20 to 25 books this year. To meet that goal, I’ll need to read about two books each month. It might be tough, but I’m excited for the challenge.

What were your favorite books in 2025? What are you planning to read in 2026? Feel free to share your list in the comments—I’d love to discuss them with you.

Have a great week, and I hope 2026 is off to a fantastic start for you!

Looking Back on 2025: A Year of Growth, Adventure, and Connection

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the moments—big and small—that shaped 2025. This year was a tapestry of personal milestones, professional growth, outdoor adventures, and cherished family traditions. Here’s a look back at the highlights that made this year unforgettable.

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Health and Wellness: A Journey of Transformation

One of the most significant chapters of 2025 was my health journey. Since October 2024, I’ve lost about 45 pounds thanks to Mounjaro, and I’ve been able to eliminate CPAP use entirely. December brought a new focus: building an exercise routine. My goals for 2026 include adding cardio, weights, and even running—something I haven’t done in years. I’m curious to see how my body responds now and excited to take this next step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Family and Holidays: Traditions That Ground Us

November and December reminded me why Thanksgiving and Christmas are my favorite times of the year. From grilling turkey breasts on the Big Green Egg to savoring Mom Shirron’s sweet potato pie, these moments were filled with warmth and gratitude. We gathered in Topeka and Lawrence, shared laughter, and honored traditions—even as we felt the absence of loved ones who couldn’t be with us. Christmas Eve brought its own quiet magic, a time to pause and appreciate the blessings of family and home.

Outdoor Adventures: Nature’s Reset Button

Camping continued to be my sanctuary in 2025. From summer weekends that offered a break from routine to October’s grand finale at C2T Ranch, each trip was a reminder of the restorative power of nature. That last outing was unforgettable—winds gusting up to 50 mph, coyotes calling in the night, and cornhole tournaments under the open sky. These experiences weren’t just escapes; they were opportunities to reconnect with what matters most.

Music and Community: The Rhythm of Life

October also brought the King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena, Arkansas—a two-day celebration of music, friendship, and Southern charm. Perfect weather, incredible performances (Anson Funderburgh was a standout), and shared laughter made it a highlight of the year. It was more than a festival; it was a reminder of how music brings people together.

Professional Growth: Learning and Leading

On the professional front, EDUCAUSE 2025 in Nashville was a standout experience. I dove into networking, led a Braindate on staff upskilling, and explored sessions that sparked new ideas. Vendor events, CIO dinners, and even app critiques rounded out a trip that blended learning with connection. These moments reinforced the importance of community and continuous growth in our field.

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Themes That Defined 2025

• Health and Resilience: From weight loss to new fitness goals, this year was about reclaiming energy and well-being.
• Family and Tradition: Holidays reminded me of the joy found in simple moments and shared meals.
• Adventure and Renewal: Camping and music festivals offered space to recharge and celebrate life.
• Professional Engagement: Conferences and networking fueled ideas for the future.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As I turn the page to a new year, I’m carrying forward the lessons and joys of 2025. My focus will be on building a consistent fitness routine, deepening professional connections, and continuing to make time for the outdoors and family traditions. Here’s to a year of balance, growth, and meaningful experiences.

Thank you for following along on this journey. I’d love to hear from you—what were your highlights of 2025, and what goals are you setting for the year ahead?

Kansas City BBQ Tour: Four Stops, Endless Flavor

We’ve been talking for years about doing a BBQ tour in Kansas City—hitting a few different spots in one day. This year, we finally made it happen on the Friday after Christmas. The goal was to visit four places and sample burnt ends, sausage, pulled pork, and ribs. Of course, we planned to get sides at each stop too. The challenge was making sure six of us could enjoy a bite or two of each meat and side without filling up too soon. Mission accomplished!

Stop 1: Slap’s BBQ

We arrived at Slap’s around 10:45 and waited for them to open at 11. By the time we left, the line was even longer than when we first arrived. The burnt ends were disappointing—no bark and lacking flavor—so we all rated them low. The ribs were tender, and the smoked turkey was excellent. For me, the sides were the highlight here. The potatoes were fantastic!

Stop 2: Joe’s KC BBQ

Most of us had been to Joe’s before, but this was my first time at the original location inside a working gas station. We waited about an hour to order. The ribs are a must—they don’t fall off the bone, but they don’t need to because the meat is so flavorful. The burnt ends were far better than at Slap’s, with a nice bark and just enough fat for extra flavor. The ribs were also better here. The sauces were great too—I stuck with the hot sauce, and it was perfect.

A Quick Break

After Joe’s, we took a break at Boulevard Brewing and then J. Rieger & Co. for a few drinks. At Boulevard, I had my favorite Wheat beer a couple of times and sampled some seasonal brews—all delicious. At J. Rieger & Co., we enjoyed cocktails; it’s always a great spot for an Old Fashioned or a G&T.

Stop 3: Q39

Most of us had tried Q39 before, but not at this location. Unlike the first two counter-service spots, Q39 offered table service. Our waiter was excellent—helpful and fun while we debated what to order. Everything was good. The ribs were delicious, and the sauce was solid. The burnt ends had great bark and flavor. The sides were good overall, though the corn was forgettable.

Stop 4: Jack Stack BBQ

Jack Stack was our final stop, and we had reservations for 8 p.m. We arrived two hours early, but nothing else was open, so we waited. Luckily, they seated us around 7:30. Another great waiter—friendly, helpful, and even treated us to a free dessert. The sides were as good as we remembered, and the ribs, burnt ends, and pulled pork didn’t disappoint. I tried the sausage but realized I’m just not a sausage guy when there are so many other great options.

Selfie at Slap's BBQ

Selfie at Joe's BBQ

 

Selfie at Jack Stack BBQ

I realized as I was posting the pictures from the BBQ trip that I missed getting a selfie of everyone at Q39. Oh well, we will have to do it again.

The Sweet Finish

After Jack Stack, we swung by Cheesecake Factory to grab dessert for home. It was a wonderful day with beautiful weather—chilly at our first stop but perfect for sitting outside at Joe’s and comfortable by the end of the night.

Next week, I’ll share the overall ratings from our group of six for the KC BBQ tour. Have a great week—and get some BBQ if you can!

Merry Christmas Eve 2025!

As the year winds down and the lights glow a little brighter tonight, I’m reminded how much these quiet moments matter. Christmas Eve has always been about slowing down—pausing the rush, savoring the warmth of family, and reflecting on the blessings that carried us through the year.

Tonight, we’re gathered, music playing softly in the background, and the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen. Tomorrow will bring laughter, gifts, and maybe a little chaos—but tonight is for gratitude. For the people who make life meaningful, for traditions that anchor us, and for the hope that the season brings.

Wherever you are, I hope you find a moment to breathe, smile, and soak in the magic of Christmas Eve. Wishing you peace, joy, and a heart full of light as we step into Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Reflecting on Progress and Setting New Fitness Goals

As the year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on my health and looking ahead to the future. I don’t think I’ve shared this before, but since October 2024, I’ve lost about 45 pounds. I’ve maintained roughly the same weight since August 2025, fluctuating slightly but staying in the same range. The next step toward reaching my goal weight is adding exercise to my routine. I was riding the bike as recently as this past summer, but I fell out of the habit and haven’t been on it at all this fall.

My goal for 2026 is to make exercise a regular part of my week. I’m planning to start working out consistently, and I think going to the gym at work will help me stick to that goal. I’ve been losing weight thanks to Mounjaro, which I was prescribed in October 2024 after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Before that, I was on other medications following my diagnosis in 2023 and early 2024, but switching to Mounjaro has been life-changing. Since starting it, I no longer need a CPAP machine, and with the weight I’ve lost, I feel great.

Mounjaro has helped by curbing my appetite. I usually take my shot on Sunday evening, so on Monday, Tuesday, and often Wednesday, I eat very little. My doctor gradually increased my dosage after I started, and at one point we tried to go higher, but insurance denied the change, so I stayed at my current dose. Now, the next step is exercise, which will support further weight loss and overall health.

If I can get back into exercising, I know it will make a big difference. I want to incorporate weights into my routine and add cardio as well. I enjoy running, so the treadmill will likely be my go-to, along with weights and other gym activities to keep things interesting and challenging. As the weather improves, I’d like to start running outside again since I really enjoy it.

I’m curious to see how running feels after losing 45 pounds. I know it can be tough on the knees and joints, but I expect it will feel different, and I’m looking forward to finding out. I don’t have any plans to run races like I did years ago—my goal is simply to get back into running shape and build up to longer distances.

That’s my health update, as I haven’t shared one in a while. Until next time, have a great week and enjoy preparing for the holidays.