The legendary Jim Ross, play by play announcer for WWE, and the slightly less legendary John Hawkins.

My father, the gatekeeper at the south endzone entrance at Iowa State football games, welcomed a legendary sportscaster through his gate during the Iowa State/Oklahoma game. Jim Ross is widely regarded as the best announcer (possibly ever) in the wrasslin' business. His commentary adds immeasurably to the spectacle that is professional wrestling. JR, as he is referred to in the WWE, was on-hand to watch his beloved Oklahoma Sooners take on the Cyclones.

Before the game, I was outside the stadium and I was asked by a person that I didn't really know that well if I watched professional wrestling. As a 27 year-old I was hesitant to respond and gave a "yeah, I've seen it a few times." (The truth being I have been an on and off fan for most of my life.) The person proceeded to point out JR and his trademark Resistol 200x (black hat). Later, I went down to the field to talk to my dad and told me JR had a sideline pass. We got JR to stop on his way out for halftime and I got a picture of him with my dad. Honestly, JR couldn't have been a nicer guy. He was accomodating to all fans and was very genuine.

Oh yeah, my dad tends to be a pro wrestling fan, hence the picture. (In case you are wondering, JR is unable to smile because he has had multiple bouts with Bell's Palsy which to me makes his announcing all the more impressive.)

If you are not familiar with JR's work and want to be, here is a link to a WWE site that has a video recap of his illustrious career. It's a real slobberknocker!!

Jim Ross Highlight Package (you might have to push the play button a couple of times, it doesn't autoload)

Jim Ross Wikiquote Page

Say what you will about pro wrestling and the "sports entertainment" business but when someone is as great at their job as JR is, respect and admiration is due.

Carol the bride, myself and Big Jake in Cedar Falls, Iowa, May 2007

I found myself in Iowa this past weekend for a wedding (not too surprising for those that know me). This wedding was the marriage of Jacob Nielsen and Carol Stepan. I know Jacob from wayyy back, we went to school together for as long as I can remember. His dad was a teacher and my parents were teachers at the same school district. So yeah, I've know Big Jake for a long, long time. We even randomly lived on the same floor the first year of college at Iowa State.

I was a groomsman in the wedding party. By now, I've got the whole wedding thing down pretty well. "Walk slowly, the women are in heels." "Dab, don't smear (the makeup if/when you cry)." Anyone want to wager on how many more weddings I will be in? Hopefully my own sometime.

The wedding was a real fun time and it is always an honor to be asked to be in someone's wedding.

Here's to the Nielsen's!! May you have many, many years of happily wedded bliss!!

Hawk and Brandy Omundson, March 2007, at the wedding of Leah Zidon in Littleton, Colorado. Yes, I'm actually taller than the other person in this photo. Does not happen too often. Notice the slight lean.

"For those of you that may be chronologically challenged, 12 years is like half of our lives."

At the wedding of Leah Zidon (see previous post) I also saw an old Bondu classmate ('99), Ms. Brandy Omundson. Not only were we classmates at Bondurant-Farrar Junior Senior High School but we started out as classmates at Iowa State University. We didn't end up in the same graduating class as Brandy took the 3.5 year plan (maybe she was there for four years but the last semester was an internship off-campus and out of town, I think) and yours truly took the 5 year plan. We did share some times at Iowa State though as we both lived our freshman year at the Towers Dormitory complex.

Brandy arrived at Bondu for her freshman year of high school and immediately connected with Leah. They seem to communicate in a different language, a language in which incessant giggling seemed to be a major part of. At any rate, it is always good to see people enjoying life and their friends. And I know first-hand that Brandy and Leah do.

One of my best memories of Brandy, oddly enough, regards her stylish handwriting. The girl, well, woman now, has the neatest handwriting you'll ever see. I'm sure even her grocery list is 100% perfect and suited for a scrapbook or better yet the Smithsonian archives. If you ever see a font named "Omundson" in a Microsoft Office product, they've merely adopted her handwriting into a font. Move over Arial and Times New Roman.

Brandy was the maid of honor for Leah, and Leah's two sisters were the bridesmaids. As per tradition at most weddings, the maid of honor said a few words about the bride. Brandy said she wasn't too prepared for the speech but she pulled through and had one brilliant line in particular. I think sometimes less preparation is good and often results in more sincere, candid speeches. My favorite line from the 25 year old Brandy's speech was..."Leah has been my best friend for 12 years. It may not sound like long but for those of you that may be chronologically challenged, 12 years is like half of our lives. So it is a long time for us."

Very well put Brandy O!!