5 Big Things

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything here. That’s why I’m title-ing this post “5 Big Things” as I will quickly touch on 5 noteworthy developments in the life of Andrew Thomas Parker since my last post.

1.) Jenny and I are parents! Our son was born in 2016 and I have been continuing to run the business from a home office while also taking care of him. Becoming a stay-at-home father has in many ways felt to me as though I am fulfilling part of my life’s purpose. This change has also caused me to reflect on how my generation is one that is becoming less bound by the established gender roles of past decades. The topics of discussion that surround parenting, and the choices that come with it, are fascinating! Even though it’s exhausting and I’ve given up some personal freedoms, I’m way proud of our little guy and amazed at the beauty fatherhood has brought into my life.

2.) We bought a home. Jenny and I had been kicking around the idea of buying a home in Dubuque for some time. After renting for a couple years we found ourselves absolutely in love with a 1940’s 2 story, 3 bedroom gem south of HW 20. The previous owners had just remodeled the kitchen which was a big draw for us. We bought it knowing it was a home we could see ourselves in long term which was/is a comfort. It needs work, which we haven’t been too shy about. Within the first year we tackled refurbishing all of the original windows. We’ve also put some work into other odds and ends. We are finding it has some old house “charm” with squeaky floors and a leaky basement, but it’s got solid bones to work with and we love it here. 

3.) I no longer work at The Dubuque Food Coop, which is now closed. After working as their bookkeeper for about a year and a half, I decided to transition out of that role (in anticipation of our son arriving) so I would have more time at home. It came as hard news in early 2017 when we learned the Coop would be closing. DFC did a lot of good for Dubuque, and I wish there would have been a different outcome for that well intention-ed venture. I miss having a local food coop. 

4.) Another change has been my increased involvement/employment at Jubeck New World Brewing. I consider myself pretty lucky to be on board there. It’s a fantastic team of people and the owners are just amazing folks to work for. This brewery has become a bit of a second home for me. The people there share genuine concern for each-other’s well-being and give with abundance. It is a brewery, and we’re making great beer, but that's only one part of what this place is doing for/giving to the Dubuque community. Kind of hard to explain, but I’m super happy to have found this family of brewers/friends.

5.) The Custom Futons website has received a complete make-over. I spent some time watching YouTube videos and bada-bing-bada-boom, learned how to work with Word Press. The result has been a website that is finally secure and also much more mobile friendly. This has been a goal of mine for a long time and I’m really glad to have finally made the update. Check it out! 
www.customfutons.com

I guess that is it! 5 big things that have happened since my last post J Thanks for reading.

Andy