(Markus has asked to add to this blog. Where you see blue printing are his additions)
January 8, 2022
Once again I embark on the mission of hosting an international student. This time Markus Kofler from Austria. Markus is 19, studying business, and is in a study abroad program with the College of Media, my college as an undergrad. He is a student at Klagenfurt University, although he says with Covid he has yet to be in a single classroom in person. I picked him up at O'Hare. He was a bit tired, but managed to stay awake as I drove back to CU in the freezing rain. I was returning from a New Orleans mission trip the same day and time, so the pick up was perfect. We traveled back and went to dinner at Casa del Mar. A great introduction to a new culture!
Arriving at ORD in Chicago I was telling Todd that I was waiting at McDonalds at Terminal 5. I told him several times. Little did I know that he actually had no clue where McDonalds was. Anyways, we eventually managed to find each other and drove down to Champaign. I was tired as hell. We went out for dinner where Todd took an awful photo of me. Looking like a stoned cave man, Mr. Salen made me go viral on Facebook and Instagram… what a wonderful way to become famous..
January 9
Markus and I spent the day getting "buttoned" up. New phone, groceries, a few necessities. And most important I added him to my YMCA membership. It's clear physical activity and healthy eating matters to this young man. I'm impressed with the maturity he shows and respect for elders. He and Rizzo have bonded as well.
January 10
Today we did some UIUC orientation projects. Class locations, schedules, etc. Also a serious workout. Markus has become my personal trainer. OMG what lies ahead????
January 11
This morning Markus declares we need to drink decaf coffee in the morning and caffeinated coffee in the afternoon. I tell him the Starbucks Police will be sending him to Russia with that kind of talk. He cooked a Chicken curry tonight. Restaurant quality. Should I pay him to stay here?
Typically, cortisol levels are at its peak in the morning,
so there is no need to consume caffeine right after waking up. I’d rather have
a cup of coffee in the afternoon when I actually need it to not fall asleep. No
extra charge for my wisdom!
January 14
UI basketball vs. Michigan. Nice win. Markus and Zach became fast friends at the game and will be hanging out together with other buds for sure.
January 15
Now the Cola War Armies will be chasing Markus. He declares soda should be diet only. I told him Coke and Pepsi will dispose of him and he will never be heard from again! Nice dinner at Papa Dels with Frank, Shirley, and Wyatt, a freshman student from China.
Don’t drink your calories! Especially not if non-caloric
options are offered! Whoever thinks that sugar substitutes give you cancer… it
did in rats that consumed about the amount of 500 liters of diet coke a day…
just quit smoking, drinking alcohol, eat vegetables & fruit and get to a HEALTHY
bodyweight and you’ll be fine
January 17
UI/Purdue double overtime. Elijah joined Markus at the game. We continue to train daily. Who knows I may just get in shape!
January 18
Frank has hernia surgery. He ends up staying the night while Markus and I cook him dinner and cater to him. Lucky Frank. Rizzo is now officially Markus' dog as they walk and play daily. I hope he will pick up the vet bills
January 19
Markus announces "The shirt you gave me really shrunk in the dryer" Todd "Ill give you a new one" (He looks at the shirt, size M. Todd "That is the shirt I gave you for your girlfriend Celin, your shirt is an xxl" (After denying he had two shirts, he looks in the closet, finds the xxl and realizes he has been wearing Celin's shirt) "Oops"
That was indeed hilarious. To defend myself, Todd laid the
shirt for my ‘fiancé’ on my bed without telling me. At least I felt great for a
moment, thinking my biceps grew significantly – if things seem too good to be
true there is a high chance that it is
January 24
We went Axe Throwing Saturday night. Markus was the champion. Charles from Nigeria joined us and we all had a wonderful time. We threw axes at a target (not me) for an hour. Markus continues to impress. Mature, intelligent, thoughtful. I love the fact he is a bit cocky about what he knows, and at the same time humble he isn't worthy of future success. This quality alone will propel him further.
January 27
Markus is officially an in person student. Classes opened for in person learning this week, something he was not able to do at Klagenfurt, his university is Austria. Markus loves to talk, and of course so do I. He is well versed on most topics and makes a respectable argument when needed. The gang at the YMCA, the 20 somethings, all flock to him as their teacher/coach in the weight room. He patiently helps them all while doing his own work and planning mine as well. I think he would become a full time American student if given the chance.
January 28
So I made a mistake last night. Never play with your phone when training with Markus. He chewed me out for being distracted. Truthfully I'm glad he cares enough to change my ways. Most would shake their heads and be non confrontational. Markus wants me to succeed in my training. It's hard to find fault in that.
Snow is on the way. Forecast is for several inches. My sister wants me to come to NYC to go see Music Man with Hugh Jackman. I smell trouble in River City. Who could say no?
Planning a trip to Florida for spring break. What kind of host would I be if I didn't show Markus Disney??
February 2
I didn't realize I was hosting a drill sergeant! 6 months in the military and Markus is ready for battle. We are in a major snow storm today. I'm guessing he will have me shoveling all the driveways in the neighborhood since the YMCA is closed for two days. Training is coming along nicely. Clothes are looser and I'm full of energy. So either I'm on drugs or I'm getting more fit. I'll assume the latter.
No, Todd – now that I am in a safe environment again, I want
to let you know that I secretly sneaked in your room while you were sleeping
& stretched out your clothes.
I'm loving the food selection. Lots of delicious healthy food. I have a few snacks I sneak, but I'm recording them all on My Fitness Pal so that isn't cheating. 10 lbs lost in the first month and more to come.
Rizzo is in heaven. Between Markus and I he gets several walks per day. He might be in the best shape of all.
Working on a trip to see my wonderful sister first week in March. Can't wait
February 3
Winter is coming! Wait, winter is here. About 12+ inches of winter. Good to know I have the Bavarian Alps Rescue Patrol living in my house. Things are shut down, although I worked at State Farm for the Ill/Wisc game. A nice win. Today we may go to the Atkins Center and take Brad Dancer up on his invitation to visit.
February 11
Good to have an Alpine skier in the house. He was great about walking the dog in the snow! Busy with work and with school. I'll be leaving Markus, aka Alfred, to watch the house while I head to NYC. Sis calls and I need to accompany her to Broadway. Someone has to do it.
We celebrated one month together. I must say it's great to feel relevant. After a rocky few months where I felt I was being taken for granted by the fraternity I am enjoying mentoring and advising a crop of international students and their friends. I'm down about 8 lbs since Markus arrived and about 12 since December. Fun to make progress.
First of all, who is Alfred???
Great decision to leave the frat… you deserve better.
Honestly, I admire your patience and kindness with some people.
Super Bowl Sunday this week. We will celebrate 6 years since my cancer diagnosis. A celebration for certain.
February 25
Wait, no Doritos for the Super Bowl? UnAmerican. Markus is changing my habits, but I must say these are positive changes.
Even though we did not have any Doritos in the house, we had
a variety of dips, chili, shrimp AND tortilla chips… hold on – aren’t tortilla
chips the same as Doritos???
His sore shoulder was x-rayed. Looks like a separation of the scapula. He meets a specialist next week. His birthday was Saturday. His father asked me to set up a zoom call to surprise him. 7 AM I knocked on his door, and told him there was someone downstairs to see him. He was a little miffed that I "invited someone to see him so early." He came downstairs and on the big screen was mom, dad, grandparents, aunt, uncle and girlfriend. He had a few tears of joy.
I'm headed to NYC next week. Markus and Rizzo will adjust! I hope.
March 21
We spent a delightful few days in Florida. I was a bit under the weather, 2 pints short in the blood department due to a perforated colon. Light headed, short of breath. Does that stop my vacation plans? Of course not!
At the Indianapolis Airport, I became aware of how bad Todd
felt. Looking back, I am glad that he did not collapse during our trip, given
that he lost blood and he isn’t 20 anymore. My efforts to make him go to the
gym and push his limits really paid off!
First a trip to visit mother June and sisters Karen and Cheryl. Markus has been adopted by the family. In fact Karen and Tom invited he and fiance Celin to visit and stay at the house anytime. Shoot I have never been invited to stay at their house!
Then on to Disney. Busy two days, but a great way to relax a few days and have some fun. Markus and Goofy are twins I think
Half way into this adventure with Markus. I'm so fortunate we connected. We head to New Orleans in two weeks. Look out Big Easy!
I was deeply impressed in what great shape June was.
Honestly, I’d be glad to be in such a condition in my 80s
I knew that Todd insisted on having a Mickey Mouse ice cream
bar - so i allowed him to have one as generous as I am
My offer to buy him a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar several
times got refused.
As a consequence, Todd still complains I wouldn’t let him
have one, which is complete nonsense like his statement that the ‘fresh ice
cream bars’ taste way better is nonsense too. How can FROZEN ice cream be fresh
- I don’t get it
April 3
New Orleans! Final Four. Great weekend with Markus and Brandon, my cousin's son. We spent Friday in the French Quarter. Great food at Mr. Ed's and then a Hurricane on Bourbon Street. Crazy people for sure. Saturday we did a Swamp tour and saw 30+ alligators. It's amazing something so remote is so close to a big city. Then the afternoon we went to the Final 4. Coach K's last game in a loss to UNC. The Kansas over Villanova.
The drive to New Orleans was not as bad as I expected - even
though Todd was the driver XD
Being busy studying and writing lab reports didn’t hinder me
from checking once in a while if the driver was still awake.
Sunday we did a city bus tour after a morning/afternoon at the gym. I highly recommend Oshner Gyms. They have a great work out area and indoor outdoor pools. Then we did the bus tour. So much to learn about such an interesting city. Travel tip for the week. There is a Cafe du Monde near the Met Museum of Art. It's in a stand alone building. Drive there, get your coffee and beignets and save two hours of waiting in line!
We did dinner at Mandina's. I will go back there in a heartbeat. Great combination of classic New Orleans and Italian as well. Loved it!
Monday we lifted again at the gym and went to the Championship game. Pregame at the Fan Experience and then enjoyed the Kansas win. So much more fun when you don't care who wins.
We had delicious cajun foods, including raw oysters.
According to Wikipedia, oysters increase libido in men - I really don’t wanna
know what happened in the room where Brandon and Todd were sleeping … or at
least i assume they where sleeping :0
April 20
A great two weeks. The stay is winding down and I must say I'm not excited about Markus heading home. We have had such a good time just hanging out. Working out at the gym, shopping, going to dinner with friends. Tonight Ebertfest starts and I'm taking him to the President's house for a reception. I'll bet President Tim hires him to run the university health system. :)
Roberta and Tim presented themselves as outgoing and down to
earth people which I really like. I’m sure they are doing a great job in
representing the U of I.
We are planning a trip to NYC to see my sister. We have yet to see Chicago so I need to fit that in too.
April 28
Inside 4 weeks until Markus heads to see his host family from his Texas stay as a high school tourney. He had an extended talk with President Tim Killeen's wife Roberta. She has spent some time in Austria and was enjoying the discussion. Markus met Chaz Ebert as well. He is studying diligently as finals are 10 days away. Then we head to NYC for a few days. It should be a very nice visit for sure. I know Markus is eager to meet my superhero nephews and amazing sister.
Tonight is opening night at 25th Annual Putnam County Spellimg Bee at Centennial I'm taking Markus to see it tomorrow. He needs a little culture. Man cannot live by weight training and protein bars alone..
He is a consistently engaging young man. Respectful, hard working and passionate. He is a master at debating topics! Just ask him. I see a bit of my younger self in him before I learned to pick my battles. Although I must say I think I fought every battle and he is more selective.
I'm certain he could be rich in America as a personal trainer. His personality invites you to work hard and achieve high goals. Not everyone can pull that off.
May 5
Reading Day at UIUC. This means that students are studying for finals. I think I mostly recovered from hangovers on reading day. Markus of course is studying, working out and finalizing his back flip. Yes you heard me right. Markus wants to learn a back flip and has been training with the gymnastics club. I can't wait for the debut.
I wish I started one week earlier with training at the
gymnastics club. I believe I can do one, but
I further want to work on my technique. Stay tuned!
A week of finals and then we had to NYC. I have 7 closings scheduled and I need the cash! Interest rates went up today and I think business will be slowing.
May 21
A wonderful few days in NYC. Tomorrow Chicago. We went to the top of the Freedom tower, 9/11 museum, walked the Brooklyn Bridge, walked to the sunset in Brooklyn Park, around the lake at Central Park, saw Phantom, had nephew Jules cook us dinner at his restaurant, Pips, took the Big Bus around town, went to Chelsea Market, Little Island and walked to Hudson Park on the west side. We were busy. All wrapped around a visit with sister Kristina. Had plenty of visit time with sis, Markus made breakfast on the last day. Only 3 days left. I'm a little sad but look forward to more visits here and there.
I’m so glad Todd could take a couple days off to take me to
NYC. Meeting Kris, her boys Arlo and Jules and her boyfriend Mark was an
inspiration.
Despite feeling a little sick from not being able to lift
weights, my brain released a good amount of dopamine as I saw the step counter
climbing up to >25k steps each day.
I never expected that I would enjoy the Broadway show that
much. Awesome experience - highly recommended!
Rotary Action Auction last night, over $250,000 raised, and then Markus headed to Joe's His first campus bar night.
Tonight we have a farewell dinner. Charles is coming along with Frank and Zack. Hopefully Josh as well. Carolyn will join us as well.
Funny that Todd never mentioned that he officially forgave
me for not letting him have a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar at Disney in Orlando. He
always insisted on having this treat like a little TODDler. So I took
initiative and bought us some Italian ice cream cone. In return, said “I
forgive you for not letting me have a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar in Florida”. I
made him repeat that statement and recorded it on my phone. I am well equipped
– I have evidence now.
May 24
Well this is a day I have not been looking forward to. I dropped Markus at O'Hare for the final time THIS Year. Yes I say this year because I'm confident he will return with his girlfriend, Celin, next year or sometime after that. I must say I had a tear in my eyes when I hugged him goodbye. He is truly a remarkable young man, bright future ahead, no where to go but up. I can't wait to watch this star shine for a long time to come.
We did make is to Chicago on Sunday. We went to the top of the Willis Tower, rode the architecture boat on the Chicago River, walked through Millennium Park, ate at Lou Malnati's and drove up Michigan Avenue and back on Lake Shore Drive. A fine one day tour if I say so myself!
I drafted a letter to Markus that I gave him to read on the plane ride out of town. I'll share it now. There are some inside jokes for sure, but I hope you can enjoy the sentiment.
After MY farewell dinner and the trip to Chicago (yesss,
finally!) I had to pack my stuff again - but this time all of it.
I was looking forward to meeting my former host family in
Dallas but simultaneously I was a little sad about having to leave the U of I
campus, the friends I made, and of course Todd & Rizzo. But that’s normal
considering spending incredible 5 months under the same roof.
This is a letter I gave to Markus to read on the plane
Markus
I will never be able to thank you enough. I truly believe God had a plan when he
connected Helmut to me on the November day resulting you moving in. After two years of gradually falling into the
covid trap of accepting less than my best efforts in many areas of my life,
most especially my health and willingness to change, all of the sudden you come
along and literally whip me into shape. You
have been a true blessing to me, my family, my friends and of
course…Rizzo!
I want to remember as many of the things I can that make you
special. I’ve made a list and wanted to
share. I know I have forgotten some things,
but this is a start:
Thank you for….
Taking the bus when I was too busy to drop you off or pick
you up
Doing laundry without asking
Buying and attaching the phone holder in my car
Driving me all around town in YOUR car.
Reminding me to stop and enjoy the sunsets
Making breakfast; your eggs and oatmeal are amazing!
Walking Rizzo
Sharing your/my girlfriend 😊
Throwing away my Doritos/pretzels/snacks… (maybe I did it 😊)
Introducing me to Cauliflower rice and many other “wegetables”
Making an endless pot of Decaf coffee (you are right, decaf
coffee is best!
Pudding
Peanut Butter
Protein Shakes
Trucks
Laughing so hard when June was in the car and we were
discussing Trucks
Reminding me that diet soda is delicious
Being so patient with Frank
Reminding me I MUST be more patient with Frank
Mickey Mouse Ice… (Wait…forget that, you didn’t let me have
one…)
Playing with Rizzo
Making vegetarian lasagna, chicken curry (I still want the
recipe for the curry sauce)
Showing me how to cook and enjoy pumpkin
Loading bagels in the toaster, prepping eggs, avocado so I
can get my day started right
Having a bright Halo that makes me and everyone you meet
feel better just being around you
Making me feel relevant again
Listening and treating me like I have something important to
say
Making pudding almost everyday
Loving Illinois, Go Illini!
Watching out for me when I was sick
Taking my bowls, plates and serving dishes and washing them
Cleaning up after meals and putting all the food away
Filling and emptying the dishwasher
Training me. Coaching me, challenging me …. You are a
terrorist!
Caring enough to scold me when I was not engaged or paying
attention
Helping/battling/encouraging me to lose 30!!! Pounds (so
far)
Changing my life when I desperately needed it
Laughing at my jokes, we both know they were hilarious!
(Especially the Austrian military snow guarding)
Laughing at my snoring
Laughing at our edible experiences
Laughing at life!
Tolerating my stories
Being a friend I can count on now and in the future
Becoming a part of my family
Making Every DAY Matter!
I want to make a pact that we agree to talk at a minimum
once a quarter. You can update me on
your successes, and I can update you on my progress in changing the world. We are linked forever, and I truly look
forward to hearing more and sharing more of your life. You always have a place to stay, a travel
mate in America and other places and someone you can talk to when you need
someone to listen.
Thank you Professor Calvin!
I will always be in debt and thankful for the time we have spent
together.
Final Note from Markus
Everything Todd did for me was exceptional.
Starting from living at his house, buying food, letting me
take his car, driving me to my morning classes, adding me to his gym
membership, introducing me to so many people, making time for traveling with me
& even paying for literally everything!
Jokes aside, at times it made me mad how Todd puts his
effort in mentoring, helping or in general supporting other students, but
doesn’t even get a “thank you” in return. Todd, you deserve better!
But you know it yourself, the ones that appreciate you will
stick around.
I don’t want you to die when we go on a mountain hike hehe
XD
Your coach, Professor Calvin, Goofy, the master debater, Mr.
kUfler… whatever my nickname was
We’ll stay in touch! ;-)
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