As I contemplated asking Susan Appleberry to marry me in 1990, I had a few friends ask if I had received her father’s permission. My knowledge of marital laws was negligible – and the internet didn’t exist to confirm or deny — so I thought they were kidding. As the day approached, I learned they were serious.
From the time I nearly passed out (did pass out?) getting my kindergarten vaccinations, White Coat Hypertension (Syndrome) has been a part of my life, and a basis upon which I make many medical decisions for myself.
I should have known better, wouldn’t you think? I was already outnumbered. Why would I willfully and intentionally let my opponents (my wife and two daughters) run up the score when daughter Abbey asked to get a puppy?
I believe that, as my Darling Dance Daughter celebrates her birthday, I can reflect back on your 16 years (where in the hell did the time go?) as a wonderful daughter.
I remember the first ride with you, leaving North Kansas City Hospital with you and Mom in the back seat. And I remember being in the left lane, and needing to be in the right lane, and not changing lanes for a mile because I didn’t want to risk it.
As a marketing professional, I’ve long been fascinated with the Disney Way. In fact, when Disney came to talk to my college communication class, I pretty much decided I wanted to go to work at Disney World. Having experience as a furry character, I figured Goofy at Disney World was a realistic entry level job as I joined the work force.
I’m not tough guy, mind you, or I would have put on the pads and been a football player, not put on big feet, a tail and a large head as an animated tiger. But when you put on that Truman suit, it kind of changes you. You’re on stage. You’re tough. You won’t back down from Cornhuskers or Wildcats or jayhawks or Nittany Lions … nothing.
We recently attended our first Missouri Mavericks minor league hockey game in Independence. Though we’ve been to over a hundred minor league games in the past, this marked the first time actually sitting and watching a game in its entirety (more on that later).