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.

Leadership, Sports, and Reading Goals: A Midweek Update

Another busy weekend with a quick trip to Kansas City. We went to celebrate November birthdays for Erin and Eddie. Joan and Eddie arranged a vacation rental and treated us to a wonderful weekend of fun. We even squeezed in some game time Saturday afternoon before getting ready for dinner. Unfortunately, no pictures from the fun weekend.

When we got back to Topeka Sunday afternoon, I wasn’t feeling well—so much so that I took Monday off work. I simply needed a day to recover and get back to feeling better. Going to bed at 8 p.m. on Sunday cut into my writing for the week. I think this was the first time I haven’t written something in over two years. So tonight is about catching up on my weekly post. As it turns out, this is more of a meandering post on different topics since I’m starting it on a Wednesday night.

A few months ago, I was nominated to participate in Leadership Greater Topeka. I’m happy to report that I was accepted, and class starts in January. We have our orientation session this Thursday. I’m looking forward to the process and appreciate the opportunity to serve with fellow Shawnee County participants. I’ll be interested to see what we accomplish when the program ends in May 2026. I think it will be fun and a great way to make connections with fellow residents.

Sunday was the last chance the Kansas City Chiefs had to make the playoffs, and it did not go well. After several years of making the postseason, we’re eliminated. I know fan bases for other teams are happy that it finally came to an end. I’m hopeful we can still finish out the season without completely imploding.

Washburn sports is going strong. The basketball team is still doing great, sitting at 13-0 on the season. Carrie and I have missed the last couple of home games since we were out of town. We don’t play at home again until January 3, so we have a bit of a wait. The team just finished a tournament in Texas, where they handled the games without any problem. Related to that, you might recall that two weeks ago we went to St. Louis to watch the Washburn soccer team play—and we won. I’m sad to say that we played in the Final Four last week and lost after being ahead for most of the game. A great season, but tough to see us lose.

My reading journey continues as we have just a few short weeks left to finish out the year for the reading challenge. I had set a goal of twenty books for the year, and right now it looks like I’m going to come up short once again. No, I’m not giving up, but I think it’s going to be tough to meet my twenty-book goal for 2025.

That’s about all I have for tonight. Posting midweek instead of over the weekend, but I’ll get back on track this weekend. Have a great week!

Washburn Soccer’s Big Win and Our Quick Weekend Adventure

Game Starting

Last Thursday, before heading to the Washburn basketball game that evening, we decided to take a quick trip to St. Louis to watch Washburn soccer play in the NCAA DII Elite Eight. We booked a hotel, ordered tickets for the game, and scouted out some places to eat after Saturday night’s match. It was a quickly planned trip, and we had a great time!

We left early Saturday morning to make it to St. Louis by the 1 p.m. start. We arrived with plenty of time before the game started, so we found a wonderful spot for lunch—Russell’s Café & Bakery. After finishing lunch, we headed to the soccer game with time to spare.

Ticket Punched!!!

Washburn started strong, going up 2–0, but early in the second half, the score was suddenly tied 2–2. The Ichabods battled back and won 3–2 over the University of Missouri–St. Louis. It was exciting to cheer on Washburn in their NCAA DII Elite Eight appearance—and even better to leave with the win! We were able to make the game because everything came together perfectly for this spontaneous trip.

President Mazachek and me

Up next for the Ichabods: the Final Four in Colorado Springs, CO, on Thursday. If they win, they’ll play for the National Championship on Saturday, December 13.

After the victory, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for the evening, which included a speakeasy and then dinner. The speakeasy—None of the Above at City Foundry—was a new spot for us. We love speakeasies, and this one did not disappoint! After a few drinks, we took a Lyft to our dinner destination: Paul Manno’s Italian Restaurant. We had been there a few years ago and were glad to return for another great meal.

Following a long day, we made the wise decision to call it a night by 10 p.m. On the way back to Topeka, we stopped at another favorite spot in Columbia, MO—Shakespeare’s Pizza. We arrived home late afternoon and had an early night.

Drinks and Fun

It was a fun, quickly planned trip to St. Louis to follow Washburn women’s soccer. Everything worked out great! Congrats to the Ichabods on their win and advancing to the Final Four. I’ll be following Thursday’s game via stream instead of in person.

I was a day late posting this update since I went to bed early Sunday night. Until next time, have a great rest of your week!

Family, Food, and a Little Time by the Grill

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! It was such a joy to spend time with family, talking, playing games, and simply enjoying each other’s company. As always, the holiday flew by, and before we knew it, Sunday had arrived, and we were preparing to head back to work on Monday.

Carrie and I have been savoring leftovers for the past few days, which has been fantastic. We even finished off the last of the pies that were sent home with us on Thursday, including Mom Shirron’s sweet potato pie. So good!

Seasoned and Ready for the Grill

I got up early Thursday morning to put two turkey breasts on the Big Green Egg (BGE). We had seasoned the turkeys the night before, and they needed about 2.5 hours to cook. This year, I tried something a little different with the setup: I added water to the drip tray. The turkey breasts were so large that I couldn’t keep them on the rack above the grill grate because the lid touched the meat, so I removed the grill and placed the rack directly on the drip tray. It worked out well, and I think the meat was more tender than last year’s turkey breasts.

For seasoning, we stuck with our tradition: BGE Savory Pecan. We discovered this seasoning a few years ago and have kept it stocked ever since. It’s always a winner, and it didn’t disappoint this year either. I’ve never tried brining a turkey, but that might be in the future. I really enjoy the whole process—from getting up early to prep the BGE to watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade while the turkey cooks. Add a piping hot cup of coffee and monitoring the grill from my phone, and it’s pretty much perfect.

Turkey Breasts Done and Ready

We spent Thanksgiving afternoon and evening in Topeka celebrating with the Shirrons. On Friday, we met up with the Haverty family in Lawrence at my mom’s house. We were missing my sister from Wichita and a few nieces and nephews who couldn’t make it for the rescheduled holiday, but I’m so glad it worked out to see both families. And yes, I ate a lot of delicious food both days!

I hope you were able to enjoy the holiday as well. I know not everyone can be with family or friends during this time, but I hope you have someone in your life to share stories, make memories, and enjoy the season with.

Until next time, have a great Sunday and a wonderful week! Stay warm!

Why Thanksgiving Is My Favorite Holiday (And Yours Might Be Too!)

The leaves are falling and covering the ground. Neighbors are spending their days cleaning up their yards, while I take a different approach. I wait until most of the leaves have fallen, then I call someone to pick them up. I used to spend hours raking, but in recent years, it’s much easier to hire help. They finish in about 30 minutes, far better than an entire weekend of yard work. It’s simpler, and I’m supporting a local business.

All that to say: Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and it’s my favorite holiday. Families have traditions they look forward to every year, whether it’s turkey, ham, or a special pie. These traditions make the season something we anticipate and cherish. Personally, I love the leftovers: all the fixings, hearty sandwiches made from turkey, chips on the side, and a bit of dressing from the main feast. I enjoy it all!

From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! Wishing you a safe and plentiful holiday.

The Roller Coaster of Sports: Jayhawks, Washburn, and Chiefs

The college basketball season is finally here, and wow, it’s already been a ride keeping up with my teams! As many of you know, I’m all in on two squads: the Kansas Jayhawks and the Washburn Ichabods. I’ve been a Jayhawk fan for as long as I can remember, going to KU games as a kid was a big part of growing up. My Ichabod loyalty started when I attended Washburn in 1994 and grew even stronger when I began working there in 1997.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Jayhawks have been a powerhouse for years, but honestly, the last couple of seasons have been tough to watch. There were games last year where I just turned the TV off because we were playing so poorly. I was hoping this year would be different, but here we are, still struggling. We’re sitting at 3 - 2 right now, and it feels like it’s going to be another roller coaster season.

Washburn Ichabods

Newly Renovated Lee Arena

Now, Washburn basketball? Completely different story. Lee Arena just got a major facelift, and it looks incredible! Carrie and I went to the first game of the season, and seeing the new paint, court, and scoreboard in person was awesome. Washburn has started the season with an impressive 6 - 0 record.

View from our Seats

Last year, Washburn made it all the way to the NCAA Division II championship game. We didn’t win, but following that run was so much fun. This year, they’re ranked number 2 in the country, and I’m pumped to see what’s next. Our next home game is Tuesday night, and you better believe I’ll be there.

Other Sports Frustrations

Of course, being a fan isn’t all sunshine and wins. KU football? Rough year. Washburn football? Same story. And don’t even get me started on the Kansas City Chiefs. Sitting at 5 - 5, they’ve had games that were just painful to watch. I keep hoping they’ll turn it around, but so far, not so much.

The Roller Coaster of Sports

That’s the thing about sports though, it’s a roller coaster. Some days you’re frustrated, and other days you’re jumping out of your seat because of a last second shot or an upset win. Those are the moments that keep us coming back. They’re the stories we share with friends and family, asking, “Where were you when that happened?”

Until next time, enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Here’s hoping your teams give you something exciting to cheer about this season!

Why I Finally Ditched Firefox After Years of Loyalty

Have you ever realized how easy it is to fall into a tech rut? We stick with what’s familiar, whether it’s the same brand of cereal or the same make of car. For me, that rut has been Mozilla Firefox. I’ve used it for what feels like forever. Honestly, I can’t even remember when I started, but it has been my go-to browser across Windows, Mac, and my phone. Back then, Firefox felt fast, feature rich, and easy to use. Plus, it offered something I really wanted: the ability to sync bookmarks between my iPhone and Windows. That was a game changer at the time. Of course, now every modern browser does that, syncing bookmarks, autofill, and passwords so you can pick up where you left off on any device.

But last week, things changed. Firefox started driving me crazy. Pages were slow, the spinning wheel was constant, and overall performance just wasn’t great. This wasn’t just on one computer, it was happening on both my work and home machines. So, I decided to do something radical for me: give Google Chrome a full day test drive.

At first, I only installed Chrome on my work computer. Sure, I’ve used Chrome, Edge, Safari, and others over the years, but never as my primary browser for an entire day. This time, I committed. And wow, within the first hour, the difference was obvious. Pages loaded faster. Everything felt snappier. Out of curiosity, I tried Safari for an hour too. It was also faster than Firefox, but Chrome still felt like the winner. Then I gave Microsoft Edge a quick spin and again, super fast. No surprise there, Edge and Chrome share the same Chromium engine.

Here’s the thing: I’ve always had multiple browsers installed for testing, but I never thought about switching permanently. After this experience though, I officially moved to Chrome on all my devices. There’s a small learning curve, figuring out where settings live and getting used to tab behavior, but overall, I’m impressed. Websites load noticeably faster, and the whole experience feels smoother.

Thinking back, it’s funny how far browsers have come. I remember using Netscape Navigator way back in the day. Mosaic too, in the early 1990s. Netscape launched in 1994, and I stuck with it for years. Then came Internet Explorer. I used IE for a long time, mostly because some sites wouldn’t work on anything else. Eventually, I switched to Firefox, and now here I am, making the leap to Chrome. Will I stay here forever? Probably not. Tech moves fast, and I like to keep an open mind.

So, what about you? What browser do you use and why? Do you stick with one across all your devices or mix and match?

This might not be the most thrilling topic, but it’s part of my tech journey, and I wanted to share it. Until next time, have a great Sunday and an amazing week ahead!

A Weekend in Tulsa: Celebrating Eddie and Kiersten

Kiersten and Eddie Married

Carrie and I took a weekend trip to Tulsa, OK. We left Friday morning and returned Sunday afternoon. My friend Eddie got married on Saturday, and we were excited to be there for the celebration.

Picked up TBo from Airport

We met up with Eddie late Friday afternoon at our hotel. We had picked up TBo (Tommy), who had flown in from Houston. His flight was delayed, which gave Carrie and me a chance to do some shopping. Since we were all staying at the same hotel, we planned to meet at 5 p.m. when the bar opened. We had a few drinks before heading out to dinner that evening.

Sunset at Wedding Venue

I really enjoy Tulsa. It’s a fun town, and our hotel was in a great location with plenty to do nearby. Eddie’s parents, Carol and Charlie, were also staying at the hotel. They treated us to dinner Friday night and lunch on Saturday. We had a great time! It was wonderful to be able to make the trip and celebrate with Eddie. I met his fiancée Friday evening at dinner. I’m so happy for them—they’re a great match. I’ve known Eddie for over ten years. I’m not exactly sure when we first met, but he started attending the King Biscuit Blues Festival years ago, and we became friends through that.

Carrie and me with Sunset Backdrop

The weather was perfect for the wedding. On Friday and Saturday, temperatures were in the 70s with wispy clouds and a beautiful sunset, creating the perfect backdrop for the countryside ceremony. Around 50 to 60 people attended, and it was a fun night. The ceremony was beautiful, and the party afterward was lively. They served BBQ for dinner—some of the best catered BBQ I’ve had at a large event. The wedding cake was delicious too. I limited myself to one piece, but I definitely could have gone back for more.

At the Bar Enjoying the Friday Night

Friday night was a late one, spent catching up and enjoying time with friends. Saturday night was more low-key since TBo and a few others had early flights. Carrie and I headed back to the hotel and caught up on some shows.

Hanging with the Groom

We left Sunday morning to head back to Topeka after a fun weekend. The weather had shifted across the Midwest. It dropped into the 40s in Tulsa, and by the time we got back to Topeka, it was down to freezing. I’m glad the weather held out and was so nice for the wedding celebration.

Networking, Sessions, and Southern Charm: My EDUCAUSE 2025 Recap

I traveled to Nashville, TN for work to attend EDUCAUSE 2025. I made several new connections, caught up with old friends, and had many conversations with vendors. It was a great trip, though I was exhausted when I returned home on Thursday. Still, it felt good to be back at EDUCAUSE. I hadn’t attended the conference since 2012, when it was held in Denver, CO.

This year, a new feature called Braindates was introduced. These were small group discussions with peers from other campuses and vendors on specific topics. I participated in two Braindates, and on Thursday morning, I led a session focused on upskilling staff. I really enjoyed the format and would definitely do them again.

I flew out early Monday morning and returned late Thursday night. Each day was packed with sessions, meetings, and evening social events. I also had the chance to eat at some great spots. My first visit to Nashville was in June 2024 to celebrate my friend Corrie's birthday, and we had a fantastic time. It was fun to return for the conference and recognize many of the places we visited last year. I’m looking forward to going back again to explore more.

On Monday night, I attended a vendor-hosted event at Husk, a unique venue that appears to be a converted historic home. It was a great setting to connect with colleagues, enjoy some excellent drinks, and eat well. After the social, a few of us headed to Broadway to find a Chiefs bar and watch the game. After a long day of travel, I left at halftime and watched the second half from my hotel room.

While EDUCAUSE offered great sessions and networking opportunities, I did have a complaint about the conference app. It didn’t allow me to add sessions directly to my personal calendar, which made scheduling difficult. I had to manually input events, and with vendor meetings and colleague meetups, it was hard to keep track of everything. At other conferences, like ELive 2025, sessions could be added to my calendar seamlessly. I was double-booked on Tuesday and missed some sessions I had planned to attend. Wednesday and Thursday were smoother after I adjusted my schedule to allow more time between meetings.

Tuesday night, I had dinner at Jeff Ruby's with a small group. The food was excellent—my steak was cooked perfectly, and the sides were great. It was a fun evening filled with good conversation and information sharing.

On Wednesday night, I joined another small group for lively discussion hosted by a vendor. I connected with CIOs from Johnson County Community College, Nebraska Community College, UMass, and UNLV. It was a great venue and a night full of engaging conversations.

It had been a long time since I last attended EDUCAUSE, so it was great to be back and reconnect with both new and familiar faces. I’ll be encouraging staff to attend next year when the conference returns to Denver, Colorado for 2026.

Have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week!

Returning to C2T Ranch: A Perfect End to Camping Season

We went on our last camping trip of the season and returned to a place we had only visited once before but loved so much that we had to go again. We stayed at C2T Ranch on the Saline from October 17 to 19. This is a HipCamp site we first visited in 2022, and we were excited to go back. This spot never disappoints. It is on a working ranch where we saw and heard cattle roaming the land. At night, after going to bed, we heard coyotes in the distance. It was a fun spot, and we ate well too.

We decided to rent a U-Haul so we could all travel together in one vehicle, which worked out great. We went with Erin and Greg, who joined us on our first trip to C2T Ranch in 2022, so we all had good memories to revisit. We left early Friday morning and already had plans for lunch in Plainville, Kansas, where we ate at The Handle Bar Tavern and Eatery. It is an excellent spot north of Hays, Kansas, where we enjoyed drinks and delicious food. The Handle Bar Tavern and Eatery has a large menu, and everything the four of us ordered was excellent. I highly recommend stopping by if you are in western Kansas.

Check-in for our HipCamp was at 2 pm, and we arrived right on time. It looked just the way we remembered from our first visit. We set up quickly and were ready for the evening with fresh hamburger meat delivered by the HipCamp host. We did this the first year and remembered how good the burgers were on the open range. Along with the meat, we ordered potatoes to cook over the campfire.

Since we had an early start Friday morning, we did not stay up very late that night. I think we were all in our tents by 1 am. It was getting rather cold, so we were ready to call it a day. It was a fun first day of travel, camping, and relaxing.

Saturday morning we all got up somewhat early to make pancakes. Waking to the sound of cattle far off in the distance was something I had never experienced before. We all talked about how, during our previous visit, we did not recall hearing any cows. We guessed they were in a different pasture in 2022, which is why we did not hear them then. This time they were loud throughout the night and most of Saturday. Mid-afternoon the winds started, just as we expected, and that helped drown out the cows, but then we had to deal with gusts up to 40 to 50 mph. Chairs were flying around, items blew off tables, tents came unlatched, and even a few tumbleweeds rolled through our campsite.

We managed to play some cornhole Saturday afternoon before the winds really picked up. We had a few tournaments, but as the wind strengthened, we realized the game had to end because the bags were turning in the air and landing in random directions. It was still a fun afternoon as we listened to the sounds of the ranch, played music, and enjoyed games.

Saturday night we planned to cook pork tenderloin for dinner over the campfire. Greg took the lead in preparing the pork, and we got the fire ready for cooking. The pork turned out juicy and flavorful, and everyone enjoyed it. Erin and Carrie made instant mashed potatoes that paired perfectly with the pork.

After dinner and cleanup, we sat around the campfire enjoying the warmth. Having an unlimited supply of firewood is a real treat at this HipCamp because it allows us to keep the fire going as long as we want without worrying about finding more wood.

When Sunday morning rolled around, we were all sad to pack up and head home. As we packed, we talked about how we need to do the Hays, Kansas trip again and stay for more nights. We will see when we can fit that into our camping schedule since this year was busy with multiple trips. We enjoy camping so much, and I look forward to doing it again next year.

Until next time, have a great rest of your Sunday and a wonderful week.

Blues, Friends, and Good Times at King Biscuit Blues Festival 2025

I’m behind on this week’s update since I was away camping over the weekend, so here’s another short recap of the prior week.

The 2025 King Biscuit Blues Festival took place over two days this year: October 10 and 11. That’s one day shorter than in previous years. After almost not having a festival at all, it was great to enjoy two days of music, friends, and blues.

Corrie didn’t attend this year, which meant Carrie didn’t either. Eddie and I headed down on Wednesday even though the festival was only Friday and Saturday. We planned to meet up with Tommy, Eddie’s childhood friend, Tommy’s nephew Eddie, and Bart, a family friend. We stayed together for four nights in a VRBO. Two nights on our own before the festival started gave us time to relax and get ready for the fun.

The house was in Dundee, MS, right across the river from Helena, AR. It was our first time staying there for the festival, and it turned out to be a great spot. We spent time relaxing by the lake, enjoying the sun patio, and watching baseball at the house while we prepared for the weekend.

Thursday is usually busy with the festival kicking off, but this year was different. We had a laid-back day with lunch in downtown Helena and plans for dinner at Kathryn’s that evening. We called ahead and heard their voicemail say they were now open Thursday through Saturday. Perfect! We left a message for reservations. But when we arrived Thursday night, they were closed. We were so disappointed because we had really been looking forward to that meal. Instead, we headed back to the house and had leftovers from the night before.

Friday, the festival began, and we had a great time. There were some solid acts, including regulars we see every year like Anson Funderburgh. The weather was perfect, not too hot, cold, or rainy. Ideal for a festival.

Saturday was another good day of music and catching up with friends. With the schedule changes and uncertainty about the festival, the crowd wasn’t as big as usual for a Saturday night, but it was still a fun day and a great festival overall.

Until next time...