Rapp Strategies Rundown – June
HERE’S WHAT WE DID, READ, WATCHED AND THOUGHT ABOUT THIS MONTH
Todd Rapp
Todd R.: A hot, hazy and occasionally wet July 4th weekend was filled with BBQ, friends and filling the new shed at Rapp Strategies North. A small greenhouse means there soon may be some fresh herbs to add to the BBQ later this summer. On the entertainment front, the stories behind the World Cup teams are capturing my attention, as is the Wild’s endless search for a top-line center to fill out this team. For streaming, we went back to some old reliables, Rip and Beth, and I am enjoying Dutton Ranch. Trying to get immersed in Widow’s Bay after all of the hype, but the mix of Northern Exposure and Twin Peaks just isn’t hitting the target with me. However, Kate O’Flynn is fantastic in it. Read Last Branch Standing, which is a careful and sometime stats-driven look at why the Supreme Court is not easy to describe in typical partisan terms. As July unfolds, I am going to tackle a new mystery author, the well-reviewed Caitlin Mullen. And early voting has started — no excuses, eh?
Rich Forschler
Rich: June must be categorized as recovery month. On May 20, I had prostate surgery. It was successful and the biopsy revealed no cancer. However, about a week later I was back in the hospital with a Urinary Tract Infection and Sepsis. I spent four days in the hospital before returning home.
This was the most serious physical challenge of my life. For about two weeks, I could not move around the house without a walker and/or cane. My family and friends have been very supportive. I am doing physical therapy and slowly rebuilding my strength and mobility.
This experience has made me grateful for my family, friends and good fortune. I no longer take good health for granted and am committed to a full recovery over the next few weeks.
My colleagues and friends at Rapp Strategies have been supportive and stepped up to cover for me. It’s so important to be a part of such a great, supportive organization.
Todd Stone
Todd S.: We recently wrapped up our family vacation in Costa Rica, splitting our time between two very different parts of the country. The first half was spent in La Fortuna, where we enjoyed spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and took advantage of the area's lush rainforest setting . Despite some of the rain you'd expect in a tropical climate, we had plenty of opportunities to explore, including ziplining high above the forest canopy and rappelling down waterfalls, experiences that were equal parts exhilarating and unforgettable.
For the second half of the trip, we traded the mountains for the Caribbean coast and settled into Puerto Viejo, a laid-back beach community known for its beautiful shoreline, wildlife and distinct Afro-Caribbean culture. There, the pace slowed considerably, with plenty of beach time, great food and opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the area.
It was a great reminder that sometimes the best vacations combine a little adventure, a little relaxation and just enough rain to make you appreciate the sunshine when it arrives.
Sean Oyaas
Sean: A magical start to the summer. After paternity leave, I was able to pop my head back into the office for a few weeks in June only to depart once again for our annual two-week trip out east to visit Rosie’s family in Massachusetts and D.C.
Every year, this trip is the defining event of our summer and continues to get even more special. Obviously, we got to introduce Henry to the extended family, but I also found tremendous joy in seeing how far James has come. He is now swimming (with life jacket), throwing footballs, making friends on the beach and has all of his cousins, aunts and uncles wrapped around his finger.
We added a special stop this year to break up the drive between Massachusetts and D.C: farm stay in Pennsylvania. This broke up the largely metropolitan week and even gave us the hysterical moment of being mistaken for “Homestead Influencers” from farm staff who somehow did not notice that we were a fish out of water.
The annual trip also brings with it a certain sense of anxiety about getting back to business as usual and a desperate need to get the kids back into a daily routine that we can plan around (and hopefully rediscover our sanity).
Cali Torell
Cali: Since I joined the team after Memorial Day, it's been go-go-go for me. Summer is in full swing, and my little family is enjoying plenty of time in our backyard, around the Twin Cities and up north.
We gathered with friends to support the first-ever Thrifty Traveler Podcast live show at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis. I crossed a big goal off my list in June — running the 50th Grandma's Marathon as my first 26.2! Feeling accomplished, I hobbled my way to Rochester with the RSI team for my first League of Minnesota Cities conference. At the end of the month, we spent some much-needed time at home, soaking in the last few days with MJ, my sweet cat companion who crossed the rainbow bridge after struggling with kidney disease.
It was a bittersweet end, but I am breathing easier knowing she is at peace and hopeful for the rest of our summer adventures.
Meredith Mitts
Meredith: June is always a big month at the Mitts Household. The last 10 days of the month alone account for both my and Cory's birthdays, the anniversary of when we met, the anniversary of when we started dating and the anniversary of us closing on our house. If that isn't reason enough to celebrate — toss a toddler who is just starting to discover the world into the mix and you have a true party! This June was full of adventures for us if you have a toddler, here are our recommendations: Visit the Sea Life Aquarium, the Minnesota Zoo and the Richfield Splash pad. Avoid going to a farmer's market on the hottest, muggiest day of the summer. Take time to go for walks, dance to toddler songs, watch birds through the windows with your cats, smell all of the flowers — and grass if you don't know what a flower is (Tahsa) — and snuggle in a hammock. June has been a lovely month and a great reprieve from a rough start to the year. Here's to hoping July is even better!
Julia Schafer
Julia: June took two seconds. It probably felt especially quick — and not as fun as usual — because the lakes have been so gross. Whatever combination of drought and hot weather hit us this spring, my usual Lake Nokomis swimming has barely happened. Fear not: I'm still doing a triathlon in August. I'll just have done most of my training in a pool.
I spent much of June consuming fun media. I went to the movie theater to see Hokum, Backrooms, The Mandalorian and Grogu (so, so bad), and my friend's movie premiere, Should I Still Claim to Have Mind Powers. I also rapidly devoured Widow's Bay, easily one of the best modern TV shows alongside Hacks and Slow Horses. My family book club read Vigil by George Saunders. Not his most exciting novel, but inventive and captivating nonetheless.
I also did some very fun Greater Minnesota work travel, covering Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester, Kasson, and Zumbrota in just three days. I genuinely recommend the Spam Museum. It takes about 22 minutes to get through and is incredibly charming. I love getting to know the state better, and I'll spend some time in southwest Minnesota in August.
Alida Mitau
Alida: June was filled with highlights. Early in the month, one of my best friends from college visited Minneapolis for the first time. She met my family and friends, saw the sights and left wanting to come back, so I'd call it a successful introduction to the city. Her visit also happened to coincide with the LOTI Pencil annual sharpening at my friend's uncle's house, so we got VIP access to one of the Twin Cities' quirkiest and increasingly popular traditions.
Later in June, I spent a weekend in Birchwood, Wisconsin for my friend's bachelorette party. We stayed at a charming lakefront cabin Airbnb and spent our time enjoying the outdoors and exploring the town. If you haven't been to Birchwood, I'd highly recommend visiting the old-timey Fernwood Bar on Birch Lake, grabbing some ice cream at Cone Cabin and catching live music at the Bluegill Bar.
June also brough an exciting milestone: my former roommates and close friends moved into the lower unit of my duplex. It's been a dream setup, and while our cats are still adjusting to each other, we're optimistic they'll eventually become friends.
Marisa Morris
Marisa: This month was full of outdoor adventures. I hiked to a gorgeous waterfall at Willow River State Park, then spent even more time on the river while camping at St. Croix State Park. I hope these little adventures warm me up for the family backpacking trip in Colorado this August, but nothing here in Minnesota compares to that altitude. I’ve also been enjoying the Uptown antics, including Open Streets Lyndale and the Wedge Cat Tour. I love my quirky neighborhood!
Jorrun and I had a great time at the Young Professionals Como Conservatory Scavenger Hunt put on by the St.Paul Chamber this month. It was a beautiful evening to explore the grounds and discover new connections.
Jorrun Kuehn
Jorrun: June brought the kickoff of wedding season, a move to Minneapolis and classic summer activities. At work, we had our official welcome happy hour for Cali and Mya at Pryes Brewing Company – an RSI favorite.y
I moved to South Minneapolis and dove into exploring my new neighborhood, trying nearby restaurants (Hola Arepa is the perfect tropical summer vibe) and spending time with my four roommates (two people, two adorable cats). The shorter commute and proximity to friends have already been life changing. Please send me your food and activity recommendations!
While trying to get out of the heat, this summer has been great for low-budget horror. I loved seeing Obsession and Backrooms in theaters and finally got around to watching Widow’s Bay. The acting, atmosphere and hint of comedy in all three made for fun and anxiety-inducing watches.
Mya Temanson
Mya: June escapes my comprehension this year. Where did the time go?
The first weekend, I made a mosaic with friends for a birthday party at Mosaic On a Stick, then listened to another pair of friends perform piano four-hands at Orchestra Hall. So much talent!
A couple weeks later, Hussein and I participated in a thoroughly inspiring and constructive workshop with The Loft Literary Center before heading to my parents' place to celebrate Father's Day. We had a great time, though it ended bittersweetly. We gave our family pup, Piper, our last goodbyes.
June ends in love and sadness. Piper was a spunky, fierce friend, and we're going to really miss her. My family has been holding each other close and sharing old photos and stories. I love them very much.
