Trick-or-Touchdown

Before we turn our full attention to Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I’ve spent some time reflecting on Halloween – specifically trick-or-treating.

It has been a joy watching Liam brainstorm what his costume should be and then see the fun he’s had wearing the costume and trick-or-treating. I am still proud over the only inspired costume idea I’ve had for in my life-- Liam as baby Elvis.

After taking a year off due to a trip during Halloween, Liam has subsequently dressed as:

·        a Fire Chief (do not call him a Fireman as I learned the hard way)

·        a Ninja Turtle

·        a Transformer

·        a Ninja

This yearly ritual has been particularly enjoyable because it contrasts so much with my own trick-or-treating. In fact, experiencing things through the eyes of a child something that you experienced growing up is one of the real joys of being a dad (and probably worth a separate post at some point).

Back in the day in Milwaukee and still true today, trick-or-treat is usually scheduled for the Sunday afternoon before Halloween. Starting at a very young age – I would guess 8-years-old – I made the decision to skip trick-or-treating.

What was I thinking? Well, I never liked dressing up for one thing, and was never super into candy (if people passed out potato chips and Doritos, though, instead of candy, this might be a different post). However, the biggest reason was simple.

The Green Bay Packers played from noon to 3 on Sundays.

Was I really going to miss a Packers game just to get a miniature package of Nerds or Swedish Fish.

Looking back, one of the things that is so funny -- and so Bobproof about this -- is that the Packers of the mid 1980s were not the Packers of the last 25 years. By skipping trick-or-treating I was electing to watch:

·        Forrest Gregg coach

·        Randy Wright quarterback

·        Charles Martin play defense

Not exactly like watching Mike Holmgren lead Brett Favre and Reggie White into Lambeau Field.

Regardless, for me any level of Packers football was always greater than trick-or-treating. Just like for Liam – already a budding Packers fan – trick-or-treating is better than the Green and Gold.

As it should be – for both of us.

And who knows?

Maybe next year he’ll go as Aaron Rodgers or Davante Adams.

Now that would be a win-win.

P.S.

Of course, when it comes to trick-or-treat this year, nothing will top my nephew Roger (talk about burying the lede).

Roger dressed up as National League MVP Christian Yelich this year -- who he dubbed his favorite player in the first half of the season before any of this MVP talk -- and received candy from none other than Craig Counsell, Brewers manager and Whitefish Bay resident.

Clearly, Roger wins Halloween.

Amy Liss and Her Attitude of Gratitude -- Part 2

Click here to read Part 1 of the Q&A

BP: So this is a tough one as a devoted Brewers fan, but how rabid of a Cubs fan are you?

AL: My love for the Cubs has been passed down by both sets of grandparents. I went with my Grandma to my first game when I was 4.  I’d say that since I was 11 I’ve been a real fan of the game, learned all the irrelevant facts on players (kids’ names, birthdays, home towns, etc) and loved the passion and atmosphere at Wrigley.  Every time I go to a game I get teary during the 7^th inning stretch and whenever fans stand for the final out. If you saw my bedroom and signed memorabilia you’d know my passion runs deep.  Being selected as a ring bearer and presenting the World Series Championship Ring to Kris Bryant cements my allegiance forever! I didn’t know what Cubs player I would be paired with until 10 minutes before we went on the field. It was a magical moment.”

BP: There is a rumor that you sat on the floor at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. True?

AL: That is true.  Long story but lost out on tickets we had purchased for the Final Four in St. Louis in 2005.  We were scammed. Dad contacted Coach K and asked about buying tickets for a game there – and told his story of our disappointment missing the Final Four.  I was a big Duke fan then because I LOVE the atmosphere of college arenas and Duke has that.  They offered us tickets for a game over their winter break so we made the trip.  Cameron Indoor Stadium is old, small and didn’t have handicapped seating so they put us in prime seating on the floor!!!!  Side note:  My Mom has a friend whose son played at UNC then and she got us tickets for the following night to see a UNC game, meet Roy Williams and get converted to a Tar Heels fan!  I love sports and my room is so full of memorabilia that we talk about charging admission.

BP: I also heard that you had quite a time at the Little League World Series this year. What were the highlights?

AL: A trip to Williamsport, Pa. for the Little League World Series has been on my bucket list for years.  My friend, Julie Foudy, was a sideline reporter last year and kept telling me I would love it.  Knowing she was commentating again this year, we decided to make the trip.  The passion and enthusiasm that surrounds every game is contagious.  All that is good about sports is what the LLWS is all about.  The emphasis on effort, teamwork, friendship and fun. 

Highlights for me were having the opportunity to meet the voices of ESPN baseball broadcasters that I've listened to and admired for years.  Having dinner and spending lots of time with Karl Ravech, Kyle Peterson and one of my Cubs favorites, David Ross, was pretty special.  I got to know them on a personal level and share stories.  Julie Foudy made it all happen and ESPN treated me and my parents like royalty. Watching the Challenger Game was also a highlight. Seeing individuals with special needs buddy up with a partner and play at Volunteer Stadium was super cool.  Everybody cheers for everybody!!! 

BP: What types of books and movies do you like?

AL: I like autobiographies of people that have overcome obstacles, a good love story or young adult books with a teaching message.  Of course now, my favorite book is Choose to Matter by Julie Foudy; It should be everyone’s life manual.   My favorite movie now is “Wonder.” It should be required viewing.  The world would be a nicer place if everyone saw it and tried to Choose Kind. I like movies that make you feel good and leave you with a positive message – just like good books.

BP: Amy, thank you for this fascinating conversation. Any final thoughts?

AL: Remember to live each day with an attitude of gratitude.