I had a bunch of my biking friends, who rode RAGBRAI with the ISH team, over for dinner this past weekend. If you’re familiar with how I do my dinner parties - I always do a toast or prayer or meditation prior to the meal. As we’re gathered at the...
Over the last few weeks, I have had the great opportunity to travel to many of our different clinic locations and recognize our providers and staff who are in the top tier at the national level for Patient Satisfaction according to our Press Ganey scores. It has been very rewarding...
This past weekend my friends from basically birth (neighbors and friends who went from grade school to college together - in each other’s weddings, laugh together, cry together …) came over to my place in Des Moines, and we shared food, memories and laughter. This is the group of people...
There’s a difference in rural versus urban. I grew up in Sioux City - and it was urban (by Iowa’s standards). Because I grew up in the city, I didn’t do farm stuff, I wasn’t part of 4-H … I don’t get “fairs.” My school’s enrollment was about 1500 students...
Today is a day of remembrance. Obviously 9/11, and all the grief and anger that the anniversary stirs, but also there have been a lot of events in the past week … even the last couple of days … that are heartbreaking. I’m stunned into silence when I hear that...
Over Labor Day weekend, I was able to see my dear Aunt Margie who lives in Missouri. She turned 90 years old in July, and I haven’t been able to see her for a few years. Growing up we used to “vacation” in Missouri every year and spend a week...
I seriously can’t believe summer is over. I really had a great summer, and I look back on it with minimal regrets - rides that didn’t take, places I didn’t go … But overall, it was a success in my mind. Ragbrai was beautiful; I got in a lot of...
It’s fall again, school is back in full swing, and yes, football has started. I have once again decided to help with coaching so my afternoons are spent on a practice field and Friday nights under the lights. This season, like last, will be filled with trials and tribulations. As...
Have you ever heard the saying “fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all”? This has been a reoccurring theme for my family the last couple of weeks. There is always a fair amount of anxiety associated with the school year starting again. The kids are excited, but...
On Sunday, August 21, 2022, I participated in the Bras for the Cause ride in Des Moines. I was hesitant at first because I had to wear pink and a bra while riding a bike through the city. But my nephews and friends participated, and it was so much fun....
