Open Windows
I am writing because at this point in my life I guess I feel like I have something to say. Of course at the beginning sometimes we do not always know what that will be until we start writing. So I have decided to write. I do know that this space will attempt to capture two main elements. I can't promise I will always stick to that but those are at the forefront for me now and that is where I will start.
The first is generally about football, and specifically about Iowa football and what it means to me to be the parent of George Kittle, the starting tight end for Iowa. Especially to be in this "parental" role after experiencing so many other roles as part of various football teams, including two other Iowa Rosebowl teams.
I write this on a Wednesday before their first game of the season on September 3, 2016, which will be against Miami of Ohio. With the season upon us many do not realize the months and months of preparation the players and coaches have been engaged in to get to this point. But I digress as I am here to explain the purpose of this blog and some kind of focus, not to get into the season and all of that. But football will be part of it and sharing our experiences as we go though the 2016 season.
The other focus I hope to bring is reflection. I have started a book called "Open Windows." The premise is that as we travel through life we are presented with many opportunities (thus, the Open Windows). Some of these we see clearly and choose to pass by. Others we do not see at all and miss completely. Others we do see and we choose to enter. Each of these possible scenarios can change our life forever, and sometimes without us even knowing it. My hope in reviewing Open Windows, is to share some of the experiences I have had in my life at missing some windows, taking some windows, and also on never even knowing a window was there until it was too late. In particular, I want to share my experiences and realization of how these windows can be presented to us for such a brief time and the opportunity to seize them can pass so quickly. I have found that when we are in the midst of life, especially when we are younger, we feel like those windows will always be around. That if we do not take advantage of them now that we can take our time, mull it over, and come back to them if we want. But in truth, many of these Open Windows pass in the blink of eye and are gone forever.
So that is the focus. If you care to read along and see where we go I invite you to do so. If not I wish all peace and blessings upon you in all that you do.
As background, here is a bit more of a traditional bio:
Bruce Kittle is a graduate of the University of Iowa where he earned his B.B.A. in 1983 and was co-captain of the 1981 Big Ten Champion football team. In 1989, he graduated from the University of Iowa College of Law with high distinction and as a member of the Order of the Coif. He is also a 1998 graduate of the Chicago Theological Seminary. He has been an assistant football coach at the University of Oklahoma and at the University of Iowa. He has taught in the Iowa City Community School District, the University of Iowa Athletic & Physical Education Departments, and at the University of Wisconsin Law School. Bruce is an ordained clergy member of the United Church of Christ and has served as pastor of Faith United Church of Christ in Iowa City.
Bruce has combined many aspects of his multi-faceted background as a mentoring and re-entry specialist for the sixth Judicial District Department of Correctional Services and as a mediator for the Iowa Peace Institute. He is a member of the Wisconsin State Bar and the Iowa Association for Justice and has been admitted to the 7th and 8th Circuit US Court of Appeals and the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa. Currently he is an attorney with Petrzelka & Breitbach of Cedar Rapids focusing in the area of criminal defense.
When he is not working Bruce enjoys camping, hiking, climbing 14,000 foot mountains in Colorado, scuba diving, cycling, hot yoga, and Sudoku. Bruce is married to Jan and has two adult children, Emma and George.
OK, well that is all the professional stuff. Guess the point is I have done a few different things over the years in different places with different people. Not saying I know much but I have some experiences and stories to tell, so will try to do so in a way that is entertaining and (hopefully) enlightening.
