The road most traveled

Well, we were at it again. Another weekend getaway to West Des Moines and the last of face-to-face interviews at ITA Group. Now comes decision time -- both for ITA Group and for Mike. What a wonderful company. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, we had an opportunity once again (actually twice) to stop and dine at the World's Largest Truckstop -- Iowa 80, located almost exactly at the midpoint of our 308 mile journey along I-80. The rest stop presents a diner's paradise (Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Wendy's, Dairy Queen, just to name a few), shopping, and even a little package of Snowman Poop, selling for about a buck (don't ask).

Iowa road trip

A long yet fruitful weekend. Good fortune was certainly on our side for most of it. The Shanahan family left Thursday late morning for Des Moines, IA in pursuit of future opportunities. Mike was scheduled for an interview with ITA Group in West Des Moines on Friday. We had a wedding reception to attend in Muscatine on Saturday. Then hopefully a Bears' game to catch on Sunday. Looming was a not-so-favorable forecast that predicted the arrival of anywhere from 10-15 inches of snow.

But with Max, our faithful canine companion, remaining behind under the watchful eye of our sitter, we scooted out of Geneva about a half day or so ahead of the predicted snowfall. And the rest was a whirlwind of activity: interviews, hotel rooms, car rides, and bitter cold weather.

In between all of this was a wonderful wedding reception for friends Hannah and Brian. Su was able to dress up for the occasion (see picture above) and was a dancing machine on the dance floor. And we were thrilled to see old friends from our previous adventures in Iowa. After a long night, all of us turned in for the night, including Su's pals (L to R: Rusty, Sprinkles, Sunflower, and Brown Cow).

The aftermath: A smooth ride home, paved streets, a healthy and happy pooch, and a successful interview. Where do we go from here? Stay tuned over the next few weeks.

...and thanks for all the fish

Over recent years, I had always felt that I would do my part in preserving the proper order of the animal kingdom. I've been a vegetarian for over 7 years. I usually elect not to squash the life out of a spider -- even if in the house. I won't wear fur. Although I'm guessing that last one has more to do with the awful imagery accompanying that thought -- and the emotional scarring it would inflict on anyone forced to absorb the visual of me draped in an animal hide. But we adopt from shelters, support the Humane Society, and do our best to avoid squirrels on the roadway.

But I was disheartened to realize that I had been ignoring a large problem here in the midwest... the near extinction of our fine feathered friends: the aquatic birds of the family Spheniscidae -- the PENGUIN. In all of the years growing up in the western suburbs of Chicago, I can't recall ever running into one of these adorable, waddling creatures. Had I only known the severity of the problem, I would have started my crusade years ago.

I thank the wise, compassionate souls that took the time to create this public service announcement on the bridge along the Fox River. Had I not been running along one of my favorite river paths, I might not have had the great fortune of reading this cry for help.

Waddle on, my feathered friend...

Your Lion Eyes

Okay. One collective large groan for the title of this entry. G-R-O-A-N. That's better. But it is the aftermath of Halloween and I'm sure it's just the last traces of the evening's sugar racing through my system. So now on with the summary.

Before Su, I didn't take much joy from this particular "holiday." Sure, it was fun as a kid. And, sure, we adults do like to "ooh" once in a while at a cute costume or clever theme. But mostly, it just meant stocking up on our favorite candy, distributing to the masses, and hoping enough was left for us and late-night snacking. With Su, all of that has changed. Her joy over costumes and snacks has transferred to us.

Su had a very fun day. Starting with her friend Grace's birthday party, it was non-stop action. The morning party led into lunch and was quickly followed by a tumbling class later in the afternoon. A quick recharge (naptime) and then dad was home early from work to take Su out for some "roaring" good fun.

It was a very cool night and a strong wind from the northwest. But Su had the perfect costume to combat the chill. The neighborhood homes were overflowing with goodies and Halloween themes. And Su's candy bag was half-filled by the first 8 or so homes. After almost an hour of walking, Su was dragging her tail behind her saying, "let's go home now."

But the energy returned as she itemized her collection of treats...

Faces of Autumn

A friend of mine from the DC area (and a wonderful contributor to this very blog environment) was recently lamenting the slow arrival of the fall season. It seems as if the constant run of near-80 degree temperatures was not quite bringing about that necessary "chill" in the air that one requires when truly recognizing the entrance of the fall season and the future call of the frigid winter months.

But Sir Hawkins does not live in the midwest. We haven't seen a 70 degree day in weeks. And I doubt we'll see but maybe a handful of these days before truly settling in for the frigid months of December through February. The summer clothes are put away. The winter storm windows have been put in place. And we've already gathered around the fireplace to enjoy our first fire of the season.

While I can't yet offer him the brisk whoosh of ghosts he so badly craves, I can send him the eerie glow of autumn, courtesy of a couple of pumpkins. One face eagerly awaits the rush of cold to follow. The other face grimly attempts to accept the end of toasty warm summer nights.

Child's Play: Chuck E Rises!

I suppose that we've been fortunate. Very fortunate. Despite our daughter Su being over 4 years old, we had managed to somehow avoid entering into that very pit of hopelessness -- despair, if you will -- that is almost sure to entrap most any parents of good conscience. We had somehow positioned ourselves among a wonderful circle of parents. Birthday parties at a child's home. Gatherings in the park. Fun at museums. No McDonald's Playland. No Chuck-E-Cheese.

Until two weeks ago.

Oh, the horror. The blood-curdling screams resonating through the entryway. The crying. The whining. The yelling. And that was just from Anita and myself. Add to that the cheese and sauce mixture they call pizza. The finger-shaped, crusted dairy (I think) product called cheese sticks. Fortunately, they serve beer. Unfortunately, I didn't have any.



Su wasn't too particularly taken in by the noise or the games. She seemed put off by the fast paced action and the volume of the place. But there was no way for Su to resist the lure of...

CHUCK E.

The gasp from her mouth and the wide-eyed look of awe when first introduced to that giant-sized rodent told me that we were not getting out of there early. Nope. We were in it for the afternoon. But all was not totally lost. We were able to exchange all of Su's winning tickets for a sticker, a tattoo, and a quick run for the door.

Gotta Love the Drake

Last week, we embarked on a 5 hour journey to Des Moines, IA. While the original goal of the visit was business, or possibly future business, we did manage to breathe in a bit of the surrounding. If you haven't been to Des Moines, in particular the older neighborhoods around Drake University, it's quite a lovely place. A lot of culture, diversity, and a friendly vibe that is more than welcoming. Also running trails everywhere.

The Shanahan clan elected to spend a couple of relaxing days around a job interview I had scheduled at Drake. We stayed at a beautiful B&B, called the Butler House on Grand. Great accommodations and wonderful service. I highly recommend this spot for a getaway, whether business or pleasure. Stay in The Retreat, a fantastic room with enough space to spread out and relax.

While visiting, we were guided to an eclectic Chinese restaurant called the Cafe Su. Of course we had to investigate this place for two main reason: food and the name. What are the odds we'd go to Des Moines and find a cafe with the same name as our daughter? Wonderful food and a great dining atmosphere, all mixed in with a row of antique shops and gourmet pet treats.

While we don't yet know what the future holds for employment in Des Moines (although one can hope), we were at least treated to a fun and relaxing stay. We need a few more trips like this one.