Ain’t want none unless you got Buns, Hun

fkoslowski5
Nov 11, 2020
6 min read

Ok folks, we’re well into August so I have to get a blog post on before the leaves start falling.

Let’s see, where did I last leave off… Ah yes. I was basking in the stale air of New Jersey. That is all behind me now, thank the good lord. I drove to Readington, New Jersey for the QuickChek Balloon Festival, which was actually a darn tootin’ good time. The festival itself was decent (I didn’t get to go in a balloon so I’m a little salty weenie), but were staying with the Planter’s Peanutters, the good hearted folks who drive the NUTmobile. See below:

So I got to hang with them during our festival, set up side by side dishing out Oscar Mayer coupons and Planter’s Peanuts. An accurate way to describe the festival is Trick-o-Treating for adults. All of these vendors set up their tents and sling out free samples like Oprah slings Pontiacs to everyone in the audience. So people would come up to us and open their bag and stare you dead in the eye with a look that says “What do I get”. It gets old fast. However! There were some really cool people I met. One woman approached me with an American flag- like one you would hang on your garage- and told me she just ran a 5K they held that morning. FLAG IN HAND.

Hold on.

She then informed me that she was part of some charity group that supports men and women in uniform/veterans. On 9/11, she runs 11 miles with the flag. Now, as a past XC runner, I can tell you that running 11 miles is no joke. It takes some serious determination for the average individual. And she does it with a giant flag… Of course, if you think of the sacrifice that is given everyday by the men and women of the military, it doesn’t seem such a burden after all. I’m sure she would agree.

After Readington, we crossed out of New Jersey aka Mordor and spent some time in Lancaster, PA. It was a pretty small town, but there were some things to do. Cady and I spent some time checking out President Buchanan’s mansion called Wheatland. In hindsight, I decided that I’m not that interested in the whole, old-dead-guy’s-house-tour, side of history. Don’t get me wrong, I love history just as much as the next guy. I just don’t need to see how people pooped in 1792. Speaking of love, in Lancaster I solidified my infatuation with Panera Bread. I became a rewards member and never looked back. They gave me a free sandwich after my fourth or fifth visit. Must have felt bad for me or something.

We also attended a parade in Lancaster called the Annual Day Parade. Let’s address the name right off the bat: just because you want something to happen on the same day every year, does not mean you must name it “Annual Day”. I think someone needs to explain the whole naming process to Lancaster… But the event was great, we drove in a parade and then set up at a local school where they had rides and fair food. The event is dedicated to communities of African American culture, and essentially was started to bring positivity to neighborhood that struggled. I had an awesome interaction with a kid in 8th grade. A shy, introverted kind of dude that you could just tell had more to him beneath the surface. I asked him a few questions to pull him out of his shell a bit, questions about sports and those things alike. He told me he was an Eagles fan. A noble team, yes. I asked him who his favorite player was. He says he doesn’t know anyones name, he just likes to watch them. That’s fine bud, I barely know anyone either. Then he looks at me and says, “I’m my favorite player. I’m gonna be the best”…. I about wrapped him up in a hug. “Atta boy!” I told him, radiating with pride in my new little friend. Up until that moment I was just slugging through the day, not entirely present, just getting through the day. After that conversation with the young man, I felt totally revitalized. Here I am set up with an amazing opportunity, all the support and encouragement I needed from my family and friends, and I was just idling through the day? I did some much needed self-reflection on the ride home that day.

After that, we departed to Syracuse, NY. Cady had a friend in town, so we finally had a home cooked meal. I haven’t had one in a while, despite all our hints we’ll drop during our events, practically pleading with fans to take us home and feed us. I also tasted some of the famous Dinosaur BBQ that everyone raves about, which was amazing. I didn’t get to go into town too much, due to the lovely wedding I flew home for. My college. roommate and very dear friend Dylan Johnson married the love of his life, Katy. I was so pumped to get home to see him and all my other friends. Usually I’m someone who sleeps through the entire plane ride, but this time I was awake the whole way, propping up the head of the guy sleeping next to me all in goodwill. Their wedding was a blast. His mom Kim helped out a ton, and it showed. Everything was very personalized and homey. It just felt right. The ceremony was beautiful, I cried out one or two little tears before the rest was converted into sweat. As a groomsmen, I got to spend the whole day with Dylan and his other groomsmen before the wedding. We had a blast just hanging out like guys do, playing pool and bag toss.

At the reception, things got a little blurry as I was reintroduced to one of my great loves, Spotted Cow. Of course, I didn’t mind when it ran out. They had plenty of other adult beverages for everyone. My entire friend group from my college days at Madison were in attendance, and we made the most of the night. Our college days anthem, Face Down, by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, blared at some point in the night, and I don’t think I’ve ever jumped as high or fist pumped that hard ever in my life. I think I have tennis elbow, seriously. You know it was a good night when you forget to take any photos, but my girlfriend Emily managed to screenshot one from the evening.

Sunday after the wedding, Emily accompanied to a brunch with grandparents, nephews, sisters and parents. We had a lovely day, stopping by my family’s gas station we just purchased on the corner of Karl’s Country Market. My dad really busted his ass to get it in tip top shape, I can’t give him enough praise. He might be one of the world’s greatest sausage maker, but really at the heart of it he’s a genius businessman and the most determined person I know. Seriously. He’s what I like to call “Hardcore”. The true embodiment of the notion that if you’re going to do something, do it right or don’t do it all. Anyone who has gone on an ice fishing trip with him, waking up to “Immigrant Song” at 3 in the morning to be the first ones out on the frigid ice, know what I’m talking about. The place is themed outdoors, with photos of my family with fish and a few of our big catches on the wall. I couldn’t be more proud of the work of my dad and Opa in turning that corner lot into such a legacy. It has given me more than I’ll ever fully appreciate, I’m certain of that.

One last thing before I go: Emily started Medical School at MCW! She’s on her third day of classes and couldn’t be loving it more. Personally, the thought of opening another text book has me looking for the nearest window, but she is ready to grind out another 8 years for her dream of becoming a doctor. Like my father, she is another one of those people with steel determination. When I would depart my studies for the sake of 8 hours of sleep, she would be gearing up for long nights at the library. I can’t applaud her enough for this endeavor she’s achieved for herself. Nice work spud.