Happy Birthday, Sam

There's my adventurous niece Sam. Today she is celebrating her birthday with her parents, but I celebrate her from afar.

Sam has the biggest heart, loves animals and is always off on some adventure. She has so much spirit. She's done stuff I never had the courage to even think about trying. I work for Global Traveler, while she is a global traveler. (I have to talk to Publisher Fran about getting her on the cover. LOL). Seriously, she deserves that and so much more.

Did I mention her brave work in the healthcare industry during the Covid outbreak. Yes, she's also one brave young lady.

I am sure she will enjoy her special day, then be off to another adventure of some sort. Meanwhile, I send her love and best wishes for a happy birthday and great year!

Happy Birthday Sam

Today, I celebrate the birthday of my niece Sam. I'm sure she is celebrating with husband Kyle and their three furry ones (Tris, Tux and Tim), but I am saluting her from across the country.

I love the picture below. It is pure Sam! While we all would love to have them back in Illinois, I am so happy for her. They wanted to move to Colorado and they did. They love it out there.

I am so proud of her. To me, that was a very courageous thing to do. Moving across the country, away from your family, friends and life is a gutsy decision. It is more than I could have done. They are living life and loving it. We don't see them as often, but it's comforting to know they are doing so well.

Sam has also courageously worked in the health care field throughout the pandemic. I thank her for being a frontline worker.

I am sure Kyle and the puppos will treat you right today, but also know your old uncle is sending you lots of love and cheers. You absolutely rock, Sam! Don't ever change.

Sam Kolb in CO-Summer 2020.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today is my niece Sam's birthday. I am sure she is celebrating with hubby Kyle and pooches Tris, Tux and Tim, but I send birthday wishes across country via this site.

Sam is such a cool young adult. She's funny, smart, goofy, caring and all of the qualities that make a great person. I am so proud of the young woman she is.

I also envy her courage and lively spirit. Her and Kyle moved across the country twice. They currently live out west. They found an area they loved and they moved out with their precious pooches. They are living their lives and I think it's awesome.

I have had a lot of fun with Sam over the years. I am sure great times are ahead, too. A thousand miles or so won't put an end to the fun. I am sure at some point, I'll make a trip out there to visit.

Today, Sam will be celebrating with Kyle and the Triple T pups, but I send birthday greetings across the country. Happy birthday, Sam. I love you and hope it's a fantastic one!

Kyle, Sam, Jean and Scott in Colorado Springs, CO-December 2019.

Mascot Week: Friend Encounters: Rocky of the Denver Nuggets, Jean and Sam

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. We continue Mascot Week with a special Friend Encounters: Mascot Edition.

My niece Sam and her husband Kyle recently moved to Colorado. It was sad to see them leave Illinois, but I am happy for them.
Her parents Jean and Scott made their first visit and took in the sights of the Denver area. Of course, one of those stops had to be a Denver Nuggets game at the Pepsi Center. While there, Jean and Sam met Rocky, the Nuggets' mascot.
Actually, Rocky's full name is Supermascot Rocky and he is widely recognized as the best mascot in professional sports. Rocky debuted December 15, 1990. Born in the Rocky Mountains, his billed height is 5'10" and his billed weight is 154 pounds. He has a reputation for being ornery, although I think that is aimed mostly at the opponents and their fans.
Jean and Sam earned extra Johngy Points for waiting in line to meet and get a picture with Rocky. They are always looking to help me with Johngy's Beat and they know I love mascots.

Jean, Rocky and Sam in Dnver, CO-December 2019.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today is my niece Sam's birthday. I am sure her husband Kyle and their pooches Timber and Tris are treating her extra special today and I send birthday greetings to her.

Sam is simply the best. She's caring, smart, courageous, adventurous, funny and more, all rolled into a young lady. I am so proud of her and admire her greatly. She is much more in control of her life than I was at her age.

Her wedding was probably the funnest wedding I have ever attended. From the awesome first dance right to the very end, it was just a blast.

Sam is also responsible for me coming out of Marathon retirement (for which I am eternally grateful although mildly annoyed at the residual pain LOL). Running the Marathon with her (or actually a couple hours behind her) was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had.

Happy birthday, Sam! I love you and I hope you have a great day and a fantastic year!

Sam, Kyle, Timber and Tris in Michigan-May 2018.

Penn in Las Vegas

I have been a fan of Penn and Teller for a long time. When it was decided that our group was going to the Penn & Teller show in Las Vegas, I immediately was in on it. Then I found out there was a meet and greet for all after the show and I was really excited.

Penn and Teller are elite magicians, but they are also irreverent and highly entertaining. They have performed together since 1975. They have had success on stages all over the world, including their current residency at the Rio. They have had a successful television show and a run on Broadway. They have done all there is to do, yet they keep doing more.

Penn Jillette graduated from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He has incorporated those skills into the act many times. That shouldn't misdirect anyone (to use Jillette's phrasing). His magic skills are elite. If I had to split hairs, I would say Teller is more of a master of sleight-of-hand, while Penn is more of the overall entertainer. Together, they are magic (pun intended).

Immediately after the show ended, Jean and Sam raced to the back to lock in our positions to meet the duo. They are the best! They knew I really wanted to meet Penn and Teller and they assisted big time in that effort.

Penn was very friendly and coordinated the fan pictures, as there was no real line. It went smoothly and pretty quickly.

I resisted the urge to ask about his red fingernail. It wasn't really the right situation to get into that. I was happy to end on a high note with my pictures safely in hand.

I wrote about our experience online for Global Traveler at Penn & Teller at the Rio. Tomorrow, I feature Teller here.

Sam Kolb, Penn Gillette, Kyle Kolb and me in Las Vegas, NV-November 2018.

Happy Birthday Sam Kolb!

Today, I celebrate my niece Sam's birthday!  It's also her first as a married woman.

Sam is such a great young lady.  I could go on and on about all of her great qualities, but I'm going to focus on the picture below.

Look how happy Sam is (Kyle, too).  I love this picture.  Of course, it is their wedding day and people are usually happy on their wedding day, but this was different.  This was special.

It's one thing for the bride and groom to talk about how special the day was, but I will say it, too.  It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony.  The couple wrote and spoke their own vows.  They were funny and loving.  I teared up several times throughout the day.

Sam and Kyle have been together for many years.  They have moved across the country and back.  They have experienced more than most their age and they have come through smiling.  I'm just so happy for them.

Happy birthday, Mrs. Kolb!  I hope it is the best ever!

Sam and Kyle Kolb in Lemont, IL-September 2017.

Happy Birthday Sam!

My youngest niece Sam is celebrating her birthday today.  It's going to be quite a year of celebrating for Sam, too.

The picture below is from her Pinning Ceremony.  We are all so proud of Sam for her hard work.  She's going to do great things.

Coming ahead this year, Sam will be getting married to Kyle (seen in the photo).  That will be quite a celebration, too.  Just a few weeks after that, Sam, Kyle and I will be running in the Chicago Marathon.

Sam is an amazing young lady.  She is smart, tough, sweet and has a huge heart and a great sense of humor.  I couldn't be prouder of Sam.

I am also so happy to be involved in the Marathon with her and Kyle.  I appreciate them letting me share in the experience.

Happy birthday Sam.  I hope this is your best year yet!  I love you!

Sam Parker and the family in Naperville, IL-December 2016.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today, my niece Sam Parker celebrates her birthday.

It is cliche, but I cannot believe how quickly Sam has grown into a great young lady.  She is beautiful, funny, intelligent, sweet and all other good things.  She is also tough as can be, which I already knew, but she proved it again in her first Marathon in 2014.

I'm not even her parent, but it is so weird and so fantastic to see her building her own life.  Now that life includes Kyle and their pup.  They make quite a cute picture!  I see great things for them.

For now though, I just want to wish Sam a happy birthday.  I love you Sam!

Kyle, Sam Parker and little Trisaroo in Mokena, IL-December 2015.

Happy Birthday Sam

A few months ago, my niece Sam Parker finished her first Marathon.  I finished my 15th (or so) about an hour after her.  This was one of my most cherished Marathons ever.

Preparing and planning, joking and talking, finishing and celebrating...we did it all and I enjoyed every step along the way.  I am so glad to have shared this experience with Sam.  Times like this can never be replaced.

Today, Sam is celebrating her birthday.  She deserves to have a fantastic birthday.  She is bright, funny, caring and everything else you would want in a young adult.  She has grown up into such a wonderful person.  I am proud to know Sam.

Join me in wishing a happy birthday to my niece.  I love you Sam!

Sam Parker and me in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

I Was Not in This Alone

My Marathon plan worked.  Early in my training, I put my goal on Facebook and announced that I was not alone in my Marathon comeback.  My goal was that putting it out there like that would hold me accountable, almost force me to train hard to finish the Marathon.

Never was my FB catchphrase more accurate than on Marathon weekend.  The outpouring of well wishes via texts, FB messages, videos, pictures, calls etc. overwhelmed me.  I took all of that support with me as I plodded along the 26.2 mile course.

Speaking of that course, several members of my family and friends busted their butts and met me at many spots along the way.  Seeing these familiar faces and hearing them encourage me helped me block out the pain and move onward.

Having this sort of support is very powerful.  It is uplifting and moving.  It is the greatest feeling in the world.  Yes, it is even better than the feeling of crossing that Finish Line.  However, crossing that Finish Line with them there is just the best.

I can never express my gratitude and love enough.  At least I am publicly putting it out here and telling the world that I have the best friends and family.

I was not alone in this...and I am never alone!  Love you all.

Nancy, Kyle, me, Lou, Sam, Scott and Jean in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

Sam (and I) Did a Marathon!

About a year ago, my niece Sam proposed the idea of running a Marathon together.  I had not run one since 2001 and planned to be done running them, but the thought of doing one with Sam was enough to get me to change that plan.

Last Sunday, we both finished the Marathon.  Sam's time was 5:15 and mine was 6:31.  All things considered, I was very happy with my time, but this wasn't really about that.

This one was a year long journey with Sam.  We exchanged texts, emails, FB messages along the way.  I really enjoyed the banter, encouragement and silliness.  I loved going through the whole process with her on Marathon weekend.

I am so proud of Sam.  She is one tough young lady.  She endured some leg cramps and the usual (mental and physical) Marathon fatigue, but she kept running.  Knowing that she was running certainly helped keep me running.  The experience was great, but both of us finishing would be the capper.

I will never forget hugging her as we met post-race.  It was one of those moments frozen in time.  I will always have that special moment with Sam.

Congratulations to Sam.  She earned it and deserves all of the applause!  I was just glad to be there for the ride (or run).

Sam Parker and me in Chicago, IL-October 2014.

Happy Birthday Sam Parker

My niece Sam Parker is celebrating her birthday today.  Somehow, the cute little girl grew up into a beautiful, intelligent, awesome young woman.

Sam is the best.  She is due to graduate from Iowa this spring and then she will start the next phase of her adult life.  Thanks to Sam, I finally got to experience a college football weekend, when we all went to see the Hawkeyes.

Sam has a bright future.  She deserves all of the happiness and success she will get.  I have no doubt Sam will succeed in life.

Happy birthday Sam!  I love you and hope your day is awesome and your year even better!

Kyle Kolb and Sam Parker in IA-September 2013.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Today my niece Sam turns 21.  I am sure her parents are very proud and possibly feeling a bit old.  I know I have both of those feelings.
Sam has grown into such a beautiful young adult.  She is funny, intelligent, caring and so much more.  She always has a smile on her face (even when I am telling bad jokes).  I love her dearly and wish great things for her.
Besides all of that, Sam is the first (and only) of my nieces and nephew to give me a legitimate football school for me to vicariously experience and support.  Go Hawkeyes!
Happy Birthday Sam!

Kyle Kolb and Sam Parker at the University of Iowa, Iowa-September 2012.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today my niece Sam celebrates her birthday.  Because she is studying hard at Iowa, I can't say it in person, but I certainly wanted to say it here.
Sam is a great young adult.  She is so much fun.  She's intelligent, funny, caring and a lot of other great things.  I am so proud of her and I love her dearly.
Also having a birthday today are singer Seal, actress (and Johngy's teenage crush) Justine Bateman, wrestler Big John Studd and singer Smokey Robinson.
Happy birthday Sammie!  I hope you have a great day!

Kyle Kolb, Sam Parker and Charley in Mokena, IL-November 2011.

Friendly Encounters

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebs.

My sister Jean's family went to Michigan and came back with a Friendly Encounter.  Okay, I am sure they went up for other reasons and have their own memories, but for the purpose of this blog, the Friendly Encounter is the goal.
While in Michigan, they attended the International Cherry Pit Spitting Contest.  Brian "Young Gun" Krause took top honors for the second consecutive year.  Brian spit a cherry pit 66 feet, 1.25 inches, in beating the field, which included his father Rick "Pellet Gun" Krause (a 16 time winner).  Brian now has nine titles and the world record of 93 feet 6.5 inches.
The Parker contingent got into the cherry pit spitting action.  The winner of that sectional was Kyle Kolb, Sam's boyfriend and a deserving champion.
My only problem with Kyle is that he wins too much.  Kyle (with teammates or solo) has won at bags, Wii games and other games which I would like to forget.  Then again, I am used to getting beat by the Parker contingent.  Oh well, it's all about fun, right?  Yeah right!
Anyway, they all had a great time in Michigan and eagerly posed with Rick Krause to gain their Friendly Encounter!

Kyle Kolb (aka the Champ) in Eau Claire, MI-July 2011.

Sam Parker, Kyle Kolb, Rick Krause, Matt Parker and Erin Galligan in Eau Claire, MI-July 2011.

Happy Birthday Sam

Lots of loved ones celebrated birthdays this week and all are special in their own way.  Today is my niece Sam's turn.  Sam is as special as it gets.
As documented here before, I didn't spend enough time with her in her younger days.  Ironically, I started getting closer to her once her family moved to Houston (TX) several years ago.  I am so grateful that she allowed me back in her life.
She's such a great person.  We share a passion for sandwiches from Texadelphia.  I have enjoyed watching her play volleyball.  We have even occasionally ganged up on my other sister (her aunt) Nancy in some good-natured ribbing.  I really have enjoyed watching her grow into a beautiful young adult.
Today is her time to shine.  Happy birthday Sam.  I love you lots!

Sam Parker and me in Mokena, IL-December 2010.

Where In the World Will Sam Go?:Part 2

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my niece Sam's search for the right college. By "right", I was assuming she meant the right place to go for a winter break. Or the right place to go for great college sports. Or the right place to go for a new destination.
I gave her my advice. Iowa, Texas, Wisconsin, Louisville, UCLA, Colorado and Kentucky would have worked, just to name a few.
Last week, I heard she made her decision. She chose Southern Illinois University, home of the Salukis.
I admit, SIU would not be my first choice...I mean for her of course. However, I know Sam (and her parents) put a lot of thought and research into the decision.
I also know that Carbondale is just 342 miles (give or take) away, which translates to a 5.5 hour trip. Not too bad.
I also know that the Salukis have made 6 NCAA tournament appearances since 2002. Not too bad either (and better than my DePaul Blue Demons).
I also know that Carbondale is generally several degrees warmer than Chicago. It might not sound like much, but a few degrees is always welcome in the middle of a Chicago winter.
Reviewing these facts (and Sam's wishes of course), I will become a proud supporter (and hopefully occasional visitor) of SIU. Go Salukis!

Sam Parker in IL-mid 1990's.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today my niece Sam Parker celebrates her 18th birthday. As the saying goes, it seems like only yesterday when she was born.
She's a senior at Lincoln-Way High School and an excellent volleyball player. I can't call her a kid anymore. Sam is a great young lady.
She puts up with me (and that's not easy) when I sleep over at my sister's house. She laughs at my jokes and joins in on them. She is the innovator of the "Park it" fist bump. She also likes Ranch dressing on her pizza.
I don't see her enough (although she might think I see her too much). I occasionally bother her with a text (well, my alter egos bother her) or a Facebook note. Her replies always make me laugh.

I am sure she will read this (because someone will let her know), so Happy Birthday, Sam...I love you!

Sam Parker (third from left, front row) in IL-Softball season 2008-09.

On the Mat with Kaitch

As my faithful readers know, I have written a lot about pro wrestlers. Today, I am featuring an amateur wrestler, but a very good one.
My niece Sam Parker is going with Kyle Kolb, an outstanding Senior wrestler at Lincoln-Way Central High School. Kyle's a good guy. He even gave out holiday hugs at Thanksgiving. (Fortunately, he did not give out mistletoe kisses at Christmas...we settled on a warm handshake.)
Somewhere along the way, my nephew Matt and I started calling him Kaitch or Trips, referencing WWE wrestler Triple H. We meant it in good fun and luckily he took it the right way.
Last weekend at Joliet Central High School, Trips took second out of 16 at the Southwest Suburban Conference. Wrestling at a crisp 171 pounds, Trips beat a wrestler from Lockport in triple overtime. Unfortunately, Trips lost in the championship match to a wrestler from Sandburg.
A second place finish is certainly an excellent achievement. I think Trips could have taken first with any of a number of possible lucky breaks. It's at this point where I must reiterate my ideas to him, in an effort to push him that extra bit.
I would like him to use entrance music. This would add a little extra flair (not Ric) to his persona and an aura of which his opponents would fear.
He also might want to consider a manager (like Bobby "the Brain" Heenan). A good manager is there to watch the wrestler's back (and possibly distract the ref when necessary).
Finally, Trips should not rule out a "heel" turn. Look what it did for The Rock (oh I mean Dwayne Johnson). The Rock won his first title shortly after his heel turn.
These are merely suggestions. Trips has done well so far without me. No doubt. I'm just trying to help as the competition gets tougher. Oh and if all else fails, I can see about bringing in a certain Evil Zebra to ref his matches!

Kyle Kolb (on the 2 step) at Joliet Central H.S. in Joliet, IL-January 2010.