Rapp Strategies Rundown – January
Here’s what we did, read, watched and thought about this month.
Todd R.: Lots of traveling this month — a long weekend in Florida, a quick trip for a Wild-Blackhawks game in Chicago, two trips to Philadelphia on business and finally a trip to Omaha to start the process of moving our granddaughters and their parents to the Twin Cities. However, the travels did not stop us from getting most of the way through Band of Brothers, and I can’t believe we waited so long for this phenomenal mini-series. With all the traveling, I captured my first real upper-respiratory infection (we called these “colds” in the old days, kids) since before COVID, and it seems like half of the people I encounter have a story about this virus. On a frustrating note, I met my first pickpocketer in Chicago. He went through a lot of work for $19 and a few credit cards that I was able to quickly cancel. He can use the “Cone of Silence” card, but only Bob Schroeder and I know what it’s good for. Ultimately, I learned that TSA will let you through without a drivers’ license so long as you have a little time/patience.
Rich: January was a month for fondly recalling the joys of the Holiday season and resting up from all the activity. We were especially excited by the announcement that our daughter, Emma, is engaged and planning a 2025 wedding! It was also so special to celebrate the Holidays with baby granddaughter, Elin. Zach and Ava are such great parents and Elin is the happiest baby we’ve seen in a very long time.
A more leisurely life has allowed me to start a fascinating new book about European history which I will comment on when I finish it. Kari and I are also getting ready for the Academy Awards. We recently saw A Complete Unknown. We both liked it, but I was more in love with it than Kari. Turns out I am a longtime fan of Bob Dylan. The movie threw me back to my high school and college days which was a very fun flashback. More literary updates to come next month.
Todd S.: My wife and I binged Man on the Inside, which had a surprisingly authentic sweetness to it that was endearing. It seems spy thrillers — movies or series — are quite the rage right now. We dove in, with The Agency and Black Doves. I recommend both based on intriguing performances and characters, but some plot points don’t hold up well if you spend too much time thinking about them. But the fun thing is the ride. Meanwhile, we are very much waiting for the return of i.e. Italian Eatery on Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis. Curious to see how the Travail Collective will do with it. And finally, for those of you who indulge in sports conspiracies — no, the Kansas City Chiefs are not receiving preferential treatment from the refs or the NFL. Enjoy the big game. My prediction: Kansas City by 5.
Jodi: January is my favorite winter month. Jim and I left for our annual visit to Puerto Vallarta, where we enjoyed time at the Botanical Gardens and hiked every trail available (although not always on purpose). Between restaurants and street food we ate more than we should have, and took long walks on the beach and through the City’s many neighborhoods to compensate for our indulgence. We also celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary! The time has flown by. It seems like just yesterday when Jim and I were stuck in an elevator in our wedding attire and my Dad asked if there was a grill available for the raw fish (sushi) we served.
I had the honor of attending the Crescent Cove gala this year with Rich and Julia. It is an incredible organization that provides care and support to children with shortened life expectancies and their families. Did you know there are only four children’s hospices in all of the United States? Minnesota is fortunate to have one, and the need for their services far expands their current capacity. Jim and I spent the rest of the month experimenting with crock pot cooking, playing a lot of Rummikub, and making plans for the next 20 years together.
Sean: What a start to the New Year! I’ve been burning the candle on both ends this January between work and an incredible series of personal events including a snowboard trip, a triumphant return to men’s league soccer, non-stop activities with a toddler who refuses to sit still, and as much time spent outdoors as the weather will allow.
When we’re able to take a breaks Rosie and I have begun planning our year, sending out New Years cards embarrassingly late, lamenting the quiet end to the Vikings magical season, and catching up on movies and TV that we weren’t able to watch in real time (for you long-time RSI blog readers, I was able to finish Industry and The Agency, which I highly recommend).
Of course, work has kept me busy. But even on the busiest and most chaotic days, I remember things could be worse (*cough cough* Minnesota Legislature).
Anna: We celebrated a belated Christmas with my family this month, which included matching pajamas for all the "kids" (adult kids included). Owen opened about 17 gifts from his doting grandparents – I only slightly exaggerate – and has been riding his tricycle around the house ever since. I participated in a murder mystery game night with my extended family, complete with costumes and accents (and the murderer being yours truly!). It was an absolute hoot considering my very Scandinavian heritage. I also listened to an intriguing book by Catherine Pakaluk, a social scientist and mother of eight – Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth. I highly recommend it for a fascinating look at an understudied segment of society.
Meredith: With friends and family scattered throughout the U.S., I am often questioned why we live in Minnesota. Outside of the obvious answer of “I have a job and house here,” I try to provide an additional answer for each month. In January, I am here for broomball, saunas and soup. The last two provide warmth and comfort, but broomball – that’s where the excitement is. Who wouldn’t want to Run. On Ice. Outside. In January and February. In Minnesota…… I know I am really selling this beer-league sport, but it really is one of my favorite activities every year. My team, Broomshakalaka, works hard, plays hard, and in my case, slips and falls hard.
While it might not be enough of a reason to move to Minnesota, it is definitely good for my physical and mental health. It gets me to dedicate an hour to exercising outside and provides an excuse to be in community with fun, intelligent, and diverse people who are brought together because of their love of sports. 10/10 – would recommend.
Cullen: Another January, another spectacular crash and burn for the Minnesota Vikings. Naturally, the first thing I did after the loss was head to a Timberwolves game where I watched them come back in the final minutes only to lose by one point.
In Madison I drowned my sports sorrow in pasta from Fabiola’s and another visit to Greenbush Bar, which has quickly become me and Lauren’s go-to pizza spot. I will miss it once we move back to Minnesota this summer. Speaking of Madison bucket list items, we saw Badger men’s hoops stomp the Gophers in front of a packed Kohl Center. It’s almost like the universe is trying to tell me something about being a Minnesota sports fan.
I am ever so close to finishing the Broken Earth trilogy. It took a while, but I now understand why each individual book won a Hugo award. I also watched The Fall Guy, Challengers, Deadpool & Wolverine and continue to chip away at Rings of Power. I will not be watching the Oscars this year in protest of Challengers getting snubbed.
Julia: Every January (at least for the last three years), my friends and I kick off the year with what we call “The Snowfall Mall Crawl”. What is this, you ask? Picture four grown adults spending the entire day, night, and the next morning at the Mall of America. Each year we make a bucket list: a few things we need to buy (this year we all walked away with new Crocs), at least one ride, indulging in a happy hour or two, and finishing the night strong at the arcade. The best part is the mall closes to the public at 11:00 p.m. If you’ve never seen the mall empty before, it’s a real trip. Zombie apocalypse-chic.
From late-night mall adventures, I shifted gears to something a bit more elegant: the annual Crescent Cove Gala. Our very own Rich Forschler is the incoming board chair, and it was an incredible evening filled with moving stories about the incredible work this organization does for families in our region, and the exciting growth they have in store for the coming year. As a former fundraiser, I strongly appreciate a well-run gala that I had no part in planning.
Of course, January wouldn’t be complete without an unforgettable meal. Alida and I finally got a chance to try Chef Yia Vang’s new restaurant, Vinai. It was absolutely delicious, and worth the two-month wait for a reservation. A true highlight was the chocolate lava cake. I’m usually skeptical of chocolate desserts, but this one had the perfect balance of sweet, bitter and salty. Don’t wait—go now!
Alida: Contrary to popular opinion, I love January. I started the month with a fun weekend trip to California to visit a couple of good friends from college who I hadn't seen in years. We caught up, ate good food and went for a beautiful hike to a waterfall. Other notable events this month included: going ice skating, holding Meri's adorable baby Tasha, hanging with Owen and Anna at happy hour, trying some great new(ish) local restaurants (Diane's Place and Minari) and celebrating my birthday at the very end!
Jorrun: Joining Rapp Strategies was a great start to my new year! It’s been wonderful getting to know everyone and contribute to the important work being done here. Outside of work, I attempted to brighten up this bleak January with some fun weekend adventures. The first was a day of downhill skiing at Hyland Hills Ski Area – my first time skiing in about eight years! Luckily I managed to remember the basics fairly well. My friends and I also took a quick road trip up north and enjoyed finding a hidden gem: the Pine City Scrapbooking Co.. In Duluth we visited the Lake Superior Maritime Museum, and took some pictures with the iconic lift bridge despite the cold. We enjoyed lunch at Dovetail Café and wrapped up the day playing scrabble at Wild State Cider – which I highly recommend. Looking forward to a (slightly) warmer February!
