#gus choate

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

We went to the aquarium this morning, had lunch at Mother's, stopped to get Mom a frozen Irish coffee at Molly's, then went home for a nap. For dinner we all went to Three Muses, which is a place I used to drop into when I lived here, but I'd never actually been for dinner. Gus didn't care much for the atmosphere, even though the horn player (James Williams) kept trying to interact with him.

Magnus, however, ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. The music in this city is doing something to his soul, and by association, to mine and Mom's. When Washboard Chaz took the stage, he started playing his own "washboard," which got the attention of Chaz. It was a bit of a magical moment. Mom and I noted how much it would have meant to my dad and Papou to have seen it because they each loved this city so much.

Dad.

New Orleans, Louisiana. 12.28.2023 - 8.00pm.

UPDATE (1.2.2024): Gus asked me yesterday about this night. James had a person from the audience come on stage and play his trumpet. Gus -- the burgeoning germaphobe that he is -- was concerned that they didn't wash the horn in between one man playing it and the other playing it. He also said, "It's basically like they're kissing each other." I told him it was a risk the men were willing to take in the name of creating art.

#jazz #james williams #trumpet #horn player #horn #brass #gus choate #three muses #frenchmen street #new orleans #music #nola

[dailyrugbytoday]

Super Rugby Pacific 2023 squads (New Zealand)

New Post has been published on https://thedailyrugby.com/super-rugby-pacific-2023-squads-new-zealand/

The Daily Rugby

https://thedailyrugby.com/super-rugby-pacific-2023-squads-new-zealand/

Super Rugby Pacific 2023 squads (New Zealand)

the New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific squads announced . Super Rugby 2023 Teams Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders announce 2023 squads All you need to know as the Kiwi franchises this season.

While the vast majority of the squads’ make-up was already known, the five Kiwi franchises on Wednesday confirmed just who were filling the remaining spots in their 38-man contracted lists for next season (Moana Pasifika’s squad will be unveiled at a later date).

2023 Super Rugby Fixtures & Draw | Super Rugby Pacific

Blues 2023 squad

Forwards: Adrian Choat (Auckland), Sam Darry (Canterbury), Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty), Josh Fusitu’a (Auckland), Alex Hodgman (Auckland), Akira Ioane (Auckland), Nepo Laulala (Counties Manukau), James Lay (Auckland), Dalton Papalii (Counties Manukau), Taine Plumtree (Wellington), Marcel Renata (Auckland), Ricky Riccitelli (Taranaki), Tom Robinson (Northland), Rob Rush (Northland), Anton Segner (Tasman), Hoskins Sotutu (Counties Manukau), Cameron Suafoa (North Harbour), James Tucker (Waikato), Patrick Tuipulotu (Auckland), Ofa Tuungafasi (Northland), Soane Vikena (Auckland).

Backs: Beauden Barrett (Taranaki), Finlay Christie (Tasman), Caleb Clarke (Auckland), Corey Evans (Auckland), Taufa Funaki (Auckland), Bryce Heem (Auckland), Rieko Ioane (Auckland), AJ Lam (Auckland), Sam Nock (Northland), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki), Harry Plummer (Auckland), Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Taranaki), Zarn Sullivan (Auckland), Caleb Tangitau (Auckland), Mark Telea (North Harbour), Tanielu Tele’a (Auckland), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Auckland)

Chiefs 2023 squad

Forwards: Aidan Ross (Bay of Plenty), Ollie Norris (Waikato), Jared Proffit (Taranaki), Samisoni Taukei’aho (Waikato), Tyrone Thompson (Hawkes Bay), Bradley Slater (Taranaki), Angus Ta’avao (Auckland), George Dyer (Waikato), Atunaisa Moli (Tasman), Brodie Retallick (Hawke’s Bay), Tupou Vaa’i (Taranaki), Josh Lord (Taranaki), Laghlan McWhannell (Waikato), Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Bay of Plenty), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty), Samipeni Finau (Waikato), Kaylum Boshier (Taranaki), Sam Cane (Bay of Plenty), Luke Jacobson (Waikato), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki), Simon Parker (Waikato).

Backs: Brad Weber (Hawke’s Bay), Cortez Ratima (Waikato), Xavier Roe (Waikato), Damian McKenzie (Waikato), Bryn Gatland (North Harbour), Josh Ioane (Otago), Rivez Reihana (Northland), Anton Lienert-Brown (Waikato), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato), Alex Nankivell (Tasman), Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury), Gideon Wrampling (Waikato), Ngane Punivai (Canterbury), Peniasi Malimali (Counties Manukau), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau), Emoni Narawa (Bay of Plenty), Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour).

Hurricanes 2023 squad

Forwards: Xavier Numia (Wellington), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke’s Bay), Pasilio Tosi (Bay of Plenty), Tyrel Lomax (Tasman), Owen Franks (Canterbury), Tevita Mafileo (Bay of Plenty), Asafo Aumua (Wellington), Dane Coles (Wellington), Jacob Devery (Hawke’s Bay), James Blackwell (Wellington), Dominic Bird (Wellington), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke’s Bay), Justin Sangster (Bay of Plenty), Caleb Delany (Wellington), Devan Flanders (Hawke’s Bay), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury), TK Howden (Manawatū), Brayden Iose (Manawatū), Du’Plessis Kirifi (Wellington), Tyler Laubscher (Manawatū), Ardie Savea (Wellington), Peter Lakai (Wellington).

Backs: TJ Perenara (Wellington), Cam Roigard (Counties Manukau), Jamie Booth (North Harbour), Aidan Morgan (Wellington), Brett Cameron (Manawatū), Jordie Barrett (Taranaki), Peter Umaga-Jensen (Wellington), Riley Higgins (Wellington), Billy Proctor (Wellington), Bailyn Sullivan (Waikato), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland), Julian Savea (Wellington), Kini Naholo (Taranaki), Dan Sinkinson (Waikato), Ruben Love (Wellington), Josh Moorby (Northland).

Crusaders 2023 squad

Forwards: Joe Moody (Canterbury), Finlay Brewis (Canterbury), George Bower (Otago), Codie Taylor (Canterbury), Brodie McAlister (Canterbury), George Bell (Canterbury), Oli Jager (Canterbury), Tamaiti Williams (Canterbury), Fletcher Newell (Canterbury), Scott Barrett (Taranaki), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury), Mitchell Dunshea (Canterbury), Quinten Strange (Tasman), Zach Gallagher (Canterbury), Ethan Blackadder (Tasman), Christian Lio-Willie (Otago), Tom Christie (Canterbury), Sione Havili-Talitui (Tasman), Cullen Grace (Canterbury), Corey Kellow (Canterbury), Dominic Gardiner (Canterbury).

Backs: Mitchell Drummond (Canterbury), Willi Heinz (Canterbury), Noah Hotham (Tasman), Richie Mo’unga (Canterbury), Fergus Burke (Canterbury), Taha Kemara (Waikato), Dallas McLeod (Canterbury), David Havili (Tasman), Braydon Ennor (Canterbury), Jack Goodhue (Northland), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Tasman), Pepesana Patafilo (Wellington), Macca Springer (Tasman), Sevu Reece (Tasman), Melani Nanai (Worcester Warriors), Chay Fihaki (Canterbury), Will Jordan (Tasman).

Highlanders 2023 squad

Forwards: Jermaine Ainsley, Leni Apisai, Nikora Broughton, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Josh Dickson, Shannon Frizell, Ethan de Groot, Billy Harmon (captain), Max Hicks, Fabian Holland, Luca Inch, Ayden Johnstone, James Lentjes, Andrew Makalio, Rhys Marshall, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele Tu’u, Pari Pari Parkinson, Hugh Renton, Jeff Thwaites, Will Tucker, Sean Withy.

Backs: James Arscott, Connor Garden-Bachop, Marty Banks, Mosese Dawai, Folau Fakatava, Sam Gilbert, Scott Gregory, Mitch Hunt, Vilimoni Koroi, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Fetuli Paea, Aaron Smith, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.

[gchoate17]

In keeping with tradition, here’s my top ten list of the best events of 2020 and the worst events of 2020, vaguely ranked in the order that they most impacted my life.

Best

We think Gus outgrew his dairy and nut allergies -- knock on wood. (Fall-ish)

We moved to a house, street, and neighborhood we love. (Late August)

Liz graduated from nursing school and got a job as a psychiatric nurse. (May)

Quarantining with my family allowed us to spend some quality time together and make some wonderful, unique memories. We discovered the garage and grilling and the balcony. (March 13-June 30ish)

My role at work evolved in a direction I’m extremely happy with—I started a podcast, a daily announcement series, and played a more prominent on-camera role at Summit. (Ongoing)

After nearly two years, I finished a ghostwriting project I’ve needed to get off my plate. (November)

I’m still fertile. (September)

Evan Hallmark illustrated an essay I wrote and we published it in a book that people can buy. (March 13)

Despite the pandemic, I participated in some solid literary events – Argenta Reading Series in January and February, After Hours Book Club with the Bookstore at Library Square, a six-week Enneagram book study on Suzanne Stabile’s The Path Between Us, a panel discussion on Tim O’Brien and a talk with Libby Copeland for the Central Arkansas Library System, and a talk with Jeffrey Condran & Jen Fawkes for the Arkansas Literary Festival. Also, the Arkansas Times published a top 10 list from my food Tumblr!

I graduated from Leadership Greater Little Rock. (October 9)

Worst

The pandemic ruined a lot of things and brought out the worst in a lot of people. I feel like we’ve all been cheated out of a year’s worth of events – concerts, weddings, funerals, vacations, art walks, dinners, readings…all of it. (March-Ongoing)

My mother is still suffering the effects of a mysterious illness she contracted in January. (January-Ongoing)

Gus hit his head and went to the emergency room. (November 17)

Deaths. My great-grandmother, my friend Micky Stuart, my acquaintance Whitman Bransford. Things could have been much worse in the death category, but it still hurts to lose these folks. My great-grandmother’s quality of life had deteriorated and so in a way, losing her was a relief, but that doesn’t mean I won’t feel her absence. And while I only saw my friend Micky a couple of times a year, I’ll miss those times. And Whitman and I didn’t know each other well, but I enjoyed every interaction and I mourn his loss for his family and friends.

My book launch was cancelled. (March)

I was forced to cancel Argenta Reading Series’s AWP Off-Site Event – the first event we’ve ever planned outside of Central Arkansas. It was going to be awesome. (March)

I was forced to cancel most of the year’s Argenta Reading Series events. (March-December)

My final Leadership Greater Little Rock sessions were cancelled. (March-June)

It was another year of not getting in shape, despite some eleventh-hour attempts. (Ongoing)

I lost my wallet for a week and drove myself bonkers looking for it. (January)

Previous Best/Worst Lists: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.    

PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Bumpers

#best of 2020 #best list #best #worst list #list #rankings #guy choate #liz choate #gus choate #family portrait

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

It's Gus's 100th day of first grade, so Mom dressed him up as a 100-year-old man. He was pretty stoked about it and came home saying he had the best old-man costume. Here's another photo.

I went to a wall-breaking ceremony at the main library downtown at lunch because I'm excited about that renovation/expansion project. After work, I took Gus to a make-up gymnastics class. At his request I introduced Gus to more music in the truck; he really liked Smashing Pumpkins's "Bullet with Butterfly Wings." I feel like this whole music introduction thing we're going through right now marks the beginning of a new era. And like the beginning of every era of his life so far, it makes me so eager for him to be an adult. Not that I want to wish away these childhood stages, but I think I'm eager for you two to be my best friends. That sounds sappy, but it's sincere.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 2.6.2024 - 7.23am.

MILESTONE: I can't remember if I've mentioned it yet, but I know I'll be looking for it here in about four years, so let me note that Gus has graduated from a car seat to a booster seat -- I think a week or two ago. Sooooo much better.

#gus choate #100 days of school #costume #music #smashing pumpkins #car seat #booster seat #milestone

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

We had an impromptu neighborhood playdate in our front yard this afternoon when Benjamin and Gracie joined us. I grilled burgers (and octopus) and Matt & Erin joined us on the back deck. It was a fantastic end to a fantastic weekend. I don't know how you kids stood that freezing cold pool water, but you did, and had lots of fun together.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 4.14.2024 - 5.07pm.

#erin o'leary #gracie morgan #john talpos #magnus choate #benjamin talpos #gus choate #pool #swimming pool #kiddie pool #spring time #kids #playdate #ridgeway drive

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Gus had another soccer win this morning, moving our unofficial record to 2-0-1. Then we had a good morning outside that included a family walk around the block and a lunchtime picnic, then we went to Yiayia's house for dinner. She had a Loblolly taste-test set up for us that included the following flavors: Mayopolitan (mayo, ketchup, mustard), Avocado, Olive Oil, Maple Rag Time (butter pecan-ish), and Carrot Cake. I nearly gagged upon trying Mayopolitan, but it was a fun experiment.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 4.13.2024 - 11.19am.

ANOTHER PHOTO FROM TODAY: Here.

#picnic #springtime #spring #gus choate #guy choate #dads #dadlife

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

We blew through Magnus's nap to hit the Barkus on Main dog parade this afternoon, then rolled out to Nene's house to spend the night, so we can be on The Compound for the solar eclipse.

Gus helped me make a fire so we could have hot dogs and s'mores on the fire for dinner. I forgot to bring Suki's food, so after you two got into pajamas and started watching Mary Poppins, Mom and I went to Walmart to buy her some. We cruised Beebe for a little bit until we were barely able to stay awake. Another long day, but another good one.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 4.7.2024 - 2.05pm.

#choate family #the choates #gus choate #guy choate #liz choate #magnus choate #barkus #barkus on main #downtown little rock #little rock #arkansas #selfie

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Gus vomited yesterday afternoon for reasons unknown, so he stayed home from school today. He's shown no symptoms of illness since. Mom took him to spend his saved-up can money, which he used to purchase a Ninjago Lego set and a small drone. When I came home to eat lunch and meet a guy about replacing our gutters, Gus was stoked to show me his Legos. Mom and I are proud of him for saving his money, but we're not sure he understands that now it's all gone.

The gutter guy quoted us $24,000 for new gutters. I was flabbergasted. Mom immediately called two other companies.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 4.5.2024 - 11.51am.

#legos #ninjago #gus choate #sick day #gutters

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

I flew to Arlington, Texas early this morning for an all-day meeting. Mom sent me this photo this afternoon and said you two needed a rest on the way home from school. The azaleas are popping in our neighborhood this year.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 4.3.2024 - 4.16pm.

#gus choate #magnus choate #gus and magnus #brothers #azaleas #spring

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

I had a debilitating headache this morning and stayed in bed pretty much all morning, so you two hunted eggs with Yiayia and Mom. We went to the Compound to have lunch and hunt more eggs, though Magnus got just as much out of hunting dandelions and flowers as he did the eggs.

My favorite time of the day came when I took you two and Sophie Kate on the Mule out into the pasture. Gus wanted to get out and explore, to which Sophie said, "Gus, you can't go out there!" When I told her he'd be fine and that she could explore too, she looked at me like I was an insane person. But she got out and all of you explored the creek for a bit. It reminded me of my own childhood. I have vivid and wonderful memories spent damming up streams and creeks with Will and John.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.31.2024 - 2.22pm.

#exploring #kids #pasture #cow pasture #creek #gus choate #magnus choate #sophie kate choate #cousins #country life #the compound

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Today was a tough day at work and my calendar got flooded with new tasks that have me scrambling at the office. Naturally, there's some stress carryover that I bring home with me, but Magnus put it into perspective tonight when he came running up to me and with his little-boy voice said, "Dad, will you play cars with me, Dad?" I was in the middle of something -- I can't remember what -- but it's hard to decline such a sincere and innocent request. After we started playing cars, Gus joined in.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.27.2024 - 6.44pm.

#kids #dad life #magnus choate #gus choate #gus and magnus #brothers #boy dad

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

It was PHE night at the Museum of Discovery. We ate pizza and ran around with friends. Gus got to pet a hedgehog.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.26.2024 - 6.25pm.

#museum of discovery #little rock #hedgehog #gus choate #kids #phe #science #nature #animals

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

This afternoon we met Yiayia at Lakewood United Methodist for their Egg-Stravaganza, which Caroline and Cate happened to be working. They both looked so grown up today. Egg hunts were divided by age group, so I went with Gus while Mom and Yiayia went with Mags.

I said, "Follow these kids, buddy, and when the the lady says 'go,' get after it." He was nervous because he didn't know anyone, and he saw all the other kids were holding their parent's hand, but he marched on in the crowd without me while I hung back and watch. I was so proud of him. And when that lady said 'go,' he cleaned up.

Afterward, we went to Yiayia's for dinner.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.24.2024 - 4.21pm.

#egg hunt #easter #easter egg hunt #cousins #caroline nick #gus choate #cate nick #easter basket #lakewood united methodist church

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Yiayia & Errol came over this morning to hang out with you two so Mom and I could go to Oaklawn. This photo is the moment after I said, "Look who's here..." After spotting Yiayia, you both ran out to meet them on the front porch.

I bet $10 on the #1 horse across the board in every race. I did not make money, but it was a fun day.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.23.2024 - 9.32am.

#magnus choate #gus choate #athena coleman #waiting #at the window #window #grandparents #brothers

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

Usually when we eat dinner with the Grummers, we let you kids play for a while, then we put Martin and Magnus to bed and let the big kids put on pajamas and watch a movie while the parents hang out, but tonight we decided to let the little kids join in on the movie. Magnus was STOKED. Gus talked everyone into watching Aristocats, which is a favorite in our house right now. Rhett lost interest quickly, though, and spent the rest of the movie trying to convince everyone to abandon it.

We didn't go home until nearly 11pm and he (predictably) threw a fit when I pulled him from the bed because he was so tired. All in all, a good time, though. I can't believe how big the littles are getting.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.22.2024 - 8.52pm.

#the grummers #gus choate #magnus choate #martin grummer #lane grummer #rhett grummer #movie night #kids #sleepover

[getoutofthisplace]

Dear Gus & Magnus,

You two fight over who Mom is going to read to every night. It's been like this for a solid month. I don't understand -- I've put my heart into the books lately. I'm doing voices, I'm bringing the enthusiasm, I'm reading for longer and longer, but still, you want Mom.

Suki loves me more, though.

Dad.

Little Rock, Arkansas. 3.21.2024 - 7.36pm.

#liz choate #mom #magnus choate #gus choate #bed time #books #reading to kids #oh the places you'll go #story time #mom life