My 2025 New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! 

These are my resolutions for happiness and success in 2025. 

I’d be honored if you shared your ideas for making this year amazing.

Let’s crush 2025 together!

Todd Swank

 

The 2025 Swank Family Christmas Letter

Merry Christmas from our Ai-enhanced household to yours! 

2024 kicked off with a bang—or rather, a blessing—as Sheri faced down endometrial cancer. Thanks to the incredible team at the Mayo Clinic, the cancer was removed, and we’re beyond grateful to have started the year with such a miraculous outcome. 

 In February, Todd and Sheri hit a major milestone: 30 years of marriage. That’s three decades of love, laughter, and Sheri quietly muttering, “I can’t believe I’ve made it this far.” Sheri's earned her PhD in Todd Management, though she's still waiting for her diploma. Her thesis: "The Art of Letting Him Think He's Right While Doing Whatever You Want Anyway" is pending publication. 

Todd's still at Oracle, selling Cloud and Ai solutions. He's basically teaching robots how to replace everyone's jobs, including his own - it's like being the turkey who helps plan Thanksgiving dinner. When asked about job security, Todd just laughs nervously and whispers "I, for one, welcome our new Ai overlords." At this rate, Todd’s planning to pitch himself as the last human they keep around “for the nostalgia factor.” 

Our boys had some big milestones of their own this year. Avery got engaged to Abby, his amazing fiancée who is a flight attendant from Atlanta. Not only did they buy their first house together, but we’re very exited to have Abby become part of the family—we couldn’t be happier! Avery is still thriving as a software engineer at Rocket Mortgage, where he was recently nominated for an award. He didn’t win, but he insists the snacks at the awards party made the whole thing worthwhile. 

Luke received a promotion from accountant to financial analyst at Cyber Power Systems, helping to lead an ERP implementation that made everyone's Excel spreadsheets feel inadequate. He's living his best life making numbers dance while we pretend to understand what he's talking about. 

We packed in a lot of travel this year including a Vikings game in London (SKOL) and a cruise to Mexico and Honduras. Weddings brought us to Pioneer, California, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Between the love, laughter, and questionable karaoke choices, we’re just glad no one revoked our invitations mid-reception. 

 Blue, our golden retriever, continues his reign as the most lovable couch potato in the house. He’s perfected his judgmental stare for when we try to explain why we can’t take him to Vikings or Timberwolves games. 

This year wasn’t without its sorrows. Grandma Joyce passed away, leaving us with heavy hearts but also gratitude for her love and memories. 

Todd celebrated 25 years of blogging his weekly diary entries this year. That’s a quarter-century of proving that arm length has nothing to do with reaching your goals (though it does affect your ability to reach the top shelf). 

 Wishing you all the best this holiday season and in the new year! 

With love and sarcasm, 

The Swank Family

Tying the Knot, Oklahoma Style

 

Tying the Knot, Oklahoma Style

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for December 22, 2024

Last weekend, we flew to Tulsa for my niece Lauren's wedding—a whirlwind of love, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. Weddings can be stressful, but getting together as a family always reminds us how much we enjoy these moments. From catching up with everyone to celebrating Ben & Lauren’s big day, it was a beautiful weekend filled with memories we’ll treasure.

Lauren is my sister Tracy and her husband Dave’s oldest daughter. Over the years, we’ve gotten to know Ben during family vacations, and let me tell you, they’re the kind of couple you actually want to hang out with—not just tolerate at reunions. They’re fun, happy, and clearly love each other. We’re excited to see where life takes them, especially now that they’re legally bound to share one Netflix account together.

Lauren's sister Brittany was the Maid of Honor and basically the event's secret weapon—keeping everything on track and everyone in line without breaking a sweat. We also met her new friend Oscar, who seemed sharp, kind, and quick with a smile. Brittany’s clearly got a knack for surrounding herself with quality people.

My sister Tammy's family also made the trip up from Texas for the festivities. We tried to squeeze in some extra activities together, like visiting Roosevelt’s in Tulsa, a restaurant famous for its over-the-top Christmas decorations. When we arrived, we were hit with a two-hour wait—apparently, holiday spirit comes with a line. Instead of sticking around, we wandered through, snapping pictures and politely confusing the diners as we turned their meals into our backdrop.

It was a blast catching up with my niece Bailey and her husband Justin, and getting to see Mallory again for the first time since the “before times” (a.k.a. pre-Covid) made it even sweeter. We spent the weekend laughing and reminiscing about the good old days when I’d drive them to elementary school, serenade them with custom songs about their favorite Uncle Todd, and finish with a honk loud enough to make their classmates cringe. Turns out, embarrassing them back then was just as fun as celebrating with them now.

Staying at the Brut Hotel in Tulsa came with one highlight we didn’t expect: the rooftop bar becoming our nightly headquarters. Each evening ended with our family taking over, reliving former glory days, and proving we can still shut a place down. Whether it was the drinks, the laughs, or the tab, we definitely made an impression—though probably not one the staff will soon forget.

Catching up with Tracy's lifelong Mason City crew—Jayne, Sue, and Chris—was a blast. And just to clarify, this Chris is Jayne's boyfriend, not their old friend Cris, who couldn’t make it. But hey, how could I pass up the chance for a name pun? The more things change, the more they stay confusing.

By Saturday, all the spreadsheets, Pinterest boards, and wedding prep reached their grand finale—a stunning ceremony at the historic Dresser Mansion. With 200 of their closest friends and family gathered, Lauren and Ben made it official in a setting straight out of a rom-com. It was classy, heartfelt, and just chaotic enough to remind everyone that weddings are the ultimate spectator sport.  We're so happy for the both of them!

We might look a little older, and sure, every family gathering has its fair share of drama, but I love my mom and sisters. Over my 54 years, we’ve been through it all together—laughs, tears, and everything in between. Now we’re here, watching our kids live their best lives, and honestly, just grateful we’re all still standing…even if a few of us groan when we do.

I’m pretty lucky to have this gorgeous woman by my side. Weddings today may come with new traditions and TikTok-inspired trends, but the core of it—love—is timeless. After almost 32 years together, we know one thing for sure: it’s about finding the one person who makes every moment, even the chaotic ones, worth celebrating.

So much planning, so much partying, and so little sleep—it was everything a wedding should be. We danced the night away, and by morning we were barely human enough to make the trek home. But hey, the memories will outlast the exhaustion. Congratulations, Ben and Lauren! Wishing you a “happily ever after” that’s as epic as your big day.

@toddswank Grandma Linda lets loose on the dance floor. #dancegrandma #grandma #dance ♬ original sound - Todd Swank

All I Want for Christmas is a Vikings Trip to The Super Bowl!

 

All I Want for Christmas is a Vikings Trip to The Super Bowl!

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for December 8, 2024

The Vikings just wrapped up a grueling stretch of three back-to-back road games to close out November, and now we’re home for three straight. Last Sunday, I brought my favorite partner in crime, Miss Sheri, along for the action. There’s nothing like hearing her colorful commentary when the team isn’t exactly executing on the field—it’s like sitting next to an angry poet. The best part? The Vikings haven’t lost a game since October 24, which is pretty impressive considering that brutal November road trip. Let’s just say the team is on fire, and so is my wife’s vocabulary.

The Arizona Cardinals came into Sunday’s game with a 6-6 record, teetering on the edge of relevance in the NFC playoff race. Led by Kyler Murray—who’s like a caffeinated toddler dodging giants—they’ve spent most of the season walking the fine line between “dangerous” and “disaster.” Unfortunately for them, they leaned a little too hard into “disaster” this time. The Vikings’ defense picked off Murray twice, proving that no matter how fast you are, you can’t outrun bad decisions.

Down 19-6 late in the third quarter, the Vikings looked like they were gift-wrapping a win for the Cardinals. But Sam Darnold, calm as a quarterback sneaking into a playoff conversation, led the offense on two heart-stopping touchdown drives to pull off a 23-22 comeback. It wasn’t pretty—more like a slow-motion car crash that somehow ended with everyone cheering—but it marked the Vikings’ fifth straight win and a 10-2 record. If this team can keep pulling off wins like this, they might just need a bigger stocking for the Lombardi Trophy.

Last winter, we were spoiled with unseasonably warm weather, but Minnesota decided to remind us who’s boss this year. The lake officially iced over this week, a clear sign that Mother Nature is done playing nice. Sure, it looks peaceful now, but give it a few weeks, and this frozen wasteland will become a battlefield of fish houses, snowmobiles, and regret-filled New Year’s resolutions. Welcome to winter, folks—strap in, it’s gonna be a long one.

We went out Thursday night with Portia and Doc Vogt and discovered Aster House, a brand-new gem near Riverplace on St. Anthony Main. That neighborhood is one of Minneapolis’s best-kept secrets—tree-lined streets, cobblestones, and a skyline view that feels more like a movie set than real life. We rarely get over there, but after this meal, I’m wondering why. Between the rotating Lazy Susan of spreads and the ridiculously decadent Banana Toffee Pudding, Aster House made sure it won’t be long before we’re back. Good friends, great food, and the perfect neighborhood—it doesn’t get much better than that.

Before dinner, we drove by the nearby theater and saw Timothée Chalamet was in town for the premiere of his Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown. Curious, we asked the hostess if she knew he was in the neighborhood. She tried to play it cool, but slipped and told us he’d actually be dining at Aster House later. Naturally, we kept an eye out during dinner, ready for our brush with fame. But alas, Timmy never showed. On our way out, we passed the theater again and learned he was running late. We debated waiting for him, but eventually decided we’re too old to loiter for someone half our age. Guess we’ll just have to catch him on the big screen—where he won’t keep us waiting.

Friday night, we hit up the Christmas Spectacular at River Valley Church in Apple Valley—a dazzling display of holiday cheer wrapped in beautiful music. It was the perfect way to dive into the Christmas spirit without the usual chaos of malls, parking lots, and elbows flying over discounted TVs. Honestly, it was almost enough to make me feel like we should stop procrastinating on putting up the tree. Almost.

Being empty nesters, we’ve noticed the Christmas decorations at home have taken a serious hit. It’s not that we don’t love the holidays—it’s just easier to enjoy someone else’s perfectly trimmed tree without the hassle of digging through dusty bins and untangling lights that somehow knot themselves in the off-season. Plus, when the decorations are somewhere else, there’s no guilt about taking them down in March.

Ted and Marcia invited us to the Christmas Spectacular for the second year in a row.  We went out for dinner beforehand, had a ton of laughs, and once again proved that the true spirit of Christmas is good friends and great food. These two sure know how to make the season feel special.

Saturday night, Avery and Abby invited us over to watch Georgia take on Texas in the SEC Championship—and boy, were we in for a show. Normally, we’re forcing Abby to endure Minnesota sports heartbreak, so it was nice to finally support her hometown team. Georgia pulled off an insane overtime win, and we got to witness the kind of game that makes you realize why people spend entire Saturdays glued to college football. Between the nail-biting finish and the good food, it’s safe to say we’ll happily crash their place for future big games. Go Dawgs!

Sunday, we brought Abby to a Minnesota Vikings game, and even though they were playing her home state's Atlanta Falcons, she showed up in Vikings gear like a true team player. She might not be a die-hard Falcons fan, but her Georgia roots still had her feeling a little conflicted. Thankfully, this wasn’t college football—because let’s face it, the Gophers aren’t exactly ready to take on the Bulldogs anytime soon. Having her support us and our love for the Vikings made the day all the more fun.

I only have two season tickets for the Vikings, so getting to a game with both of my boys is a rare treat. But this Sunday, the stars aligned, and we made it happen. It was a blast—just three Swanks in purple, yelling like maniacs and pretending we have any control over the game. Memories were made, voices were lost, and the Vikings didn’t let us down.

Kirk Cousins made his much-anticipated return to U.S. Bank Stadium, this time in Falcons red, and let’s just say the reception wasn’t exactly a warm Minnesota welcome. For six seasons, Kirk was our guy—the one threading the needle to Jefferson, leading comebacks, and making us believe we were one step away from the Super Bowl. Then, in the offseason, he chased the big paycheck in Atlanta, and while the money might be good, his season has been… less so. Uneven play and a league-high interception count have made his new team question the investment. Watching him take the field again was like seeing an old flame who’s moved on—and then hearing the crowd boo him like he stole their Tater Tot Hotdish recipe. Jarring, sure, but when the final whistle blew, there was no doubt which team made the right choice.

Six wins in a row, and this one was an exclamation point. Sam Darnold lit up the Falcons with a career-best performance, tossing five touchdown passes like he was channeling peak Favre, while Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson played catch in the end zone all afternoon. It was a dominant team effort—interceptions, big runs, forced fumbles, and an offense that kept Atlanta chasing shadows. And sure, Kirk Cousins returned to Minnesota with his shiny Falcons contract, but between the boos and two picks, it wasn’t exactly a Hallmark homecoming. The Vikings are rolling, 11-2, and if this streak keeps up, that NFC North crown might need a new shade of purple.

@toddswank Vikings vs the Falcons. Welcome home, Kirk Cousins! #vikings #falcons #skol ♬ original sound - Todd Swank

@toddswank Sam Darnold was a Baller today! 5 Touchdowns against the Falcons!! #skol #vikings #darnold ♬ original sound - Todd Swank

Thanksgiving in Vegas

 

Thanksgiving in Vegas

Todd Swank's Diary Entry for December 1, 2024

This year, Thanksgiving took a detour from turkey to slot machines. Avery ditched us for Abby’s family in Atlanta, so Miss Sheri, Luke, and I were left to fend for ourselves. Luke suggested Vegas, and honestly, it took me less than a second to say, “Done!” We stayed at Planet Hollywood because we got a good deal and it’s right in the heart of the Strip.   It was a good call because, let’s be real, where else can you burn off Thanksgiving calories walking through a casino?

Before our trip, I read about the $20 trick—you know, where you slip a folded bill between your ID and credit card when checking in and ask for an upgrade like you’re James Bond ordering a martini. I tried it and asked for a view of the Bellagio fountains. The guy smiled, nodded, and handed me keys to a top-floor room with the view I wanted.
Success, right? Well, sort of. The view was incredible, but the windows looked like they hadn’t been cleaned since the Hoover Dam was built. I couldn’t help but wonder: Should I have asked for more? A suite? A butler? A window squeegee? Note to self: next time, aim higher.

The casinos really go all out for the holidays, and the Bellagio’s display was stunning—massive trees, gingerbread houses, and enough twinkling lights to guide Santa in a blackout. Of course, the beauty was slightly overshadowed by the crowd, which felt more like a Black Friday sale at Walmart. But hey, nothing says holiday cheer like elbowing your way through a sea of selfie sticks!

The Wicked Spoon at the Cosmopolitan is a buffet that flips the script on your standard Vegas chow line. Known for its elevated dishes served in individual portions, it’s like fine dining met all-you-can-eat gluttony and said, “Let’s party.” When Luke picked it for Thanksgiving, we showed up at 11 a.m. expecting chaos. But after a quick chat with the hostess—whether it was my charm or my funny arms doing the heavy lifting—she whisked us into the VIP line.

Inside, the spread was ridiculous. Sure, they had turkey, but also crab legs, sushi, prime rib, and desserts so fancy they almost felt out of place next to my second (okay, third) helping. By the end, we were so stuffed it felt more like a food coma than a holiday celebration. Not exactly your classic Thanksgiving, but skipping the line and eating like royalty? That’s a tradition I could get used to.

We dined like royalty for every meal, but none of us had ever been to The Cheesecake Factory, so we decided to give it a try. We were thoroughly impressed—until Krazy Kory called. When I told him where we were eating, he laughed and said, “Don’t you have one of those in Minneapolis?” I said, “Yeah, but we’ve never been.” 

Note to self: Don’t answer Kory’s calls during meal time.

Exploring the Vegas Strip is like navigating a giant maze of sights, sounds, and endless walking. What seems like “just across the street” somehow turns into a trek worthy of a medal. Good thing we enjoy each other’s company, or someone might have gotten left behind at the Bellagio fountains.

In our three days in Vegas, we clocked over seven miles a day on foot. Between navigating the endless attractions and weaving through sprawling casinos, it felt like we were training for a marathon—with the finish line rewarding us with the chance to hand our money to a slot machine.

Caesars Palace is pure iconic Vegas—an empire of excess that’s been dazzling the Strip since 1966. With its grand Roman architecture, sprawling Forum Shops, and fountains that practically beg for a gladiator duel, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most legendary casinos in the world. I’ve always thought about rocking a toga here, but let’s face it—I’d look less like Caesar and more like a guy who just got booted from a fraternity party for being too old.

The sportsbook was a thrilling new chapter in my and Luke’s sports obsession—parlays, DraftKings, and fantasy football are usually our thing, but this was a whole different level. The bonus? Live NFL games during Thanksgiving and Black Friday to keep us glued to those massive screens. We left Vegas with a dream: $20 bets on the Vikings to win the Super Bowl. If we really believed they’d pull it off, you’d think we’d bet more. But hey, miracles happen... just not usually to Vikings fans.

Vegas has plenty of highs, and this stoned dog is clearly one of them. Not sure what its purpose was, but I felt a special connection with him—probably because we both looked out of place but totally fine with it.

We spent an afternoon at AREA15, a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. It’s like stepping into a sci-fi fever dream—a playground of immersive art and mind-bending experiences. We wandered through Omega Mart, where grocery shopping feels like an episode of "The Twilight Zone," and then ventured into Wink World, a psychedelic funhouse of infinity mirror rooms that felt like falling into a kaleidoscope. By the end, I couldn’t tell if I needed a nap, a therapist, or another ticket.

The LIFTOFF ride at AREA15 was an experience that blurred the line between thrill and terror. Seated around a bar and strapped in tight, we were slowly hoisted over 100 feet into the air. The panoramic views of the Las Vegas skyline were stunning, but dangling high above the ground had my anxiety working overtime. I focused on snapping pictures of the Strip to keep my mind off the fact that my feet were basically swinging in the breeze. It’s the kind of experience where you’re torn between awe and asking yourself, “Why did I think this was a good idea?”

We saw Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay because after loving Mystère last time, we knew Cirque du Soleil wouldn’t let us down. This show is a fusion of MJ’s greatest hits, gravity-defying stunts, and enough special effects to make you feel like you’re in a music video on another planet. It’s an immersive celebration of the King of Pop—complete with holograms, insane choreography, and performers so talented they make you question why you ever quit dance class. Highly recommended, even if your moonwalk still looks like you're trying to scoot across a sticky floor.

I was absolutely loving the show and, despite the strict “no photos” rule, I decided to be a stealthy rebel. I snapped this shot, thinking I was as slick as a moonwalk. Moments later, an usher materialized out of nowhere, hit me with a firm “Sir, please stop taking pictures,” and vanished just as quickly. My family’s faces turned redder than MJ’s Thriller jacket, while I offered a sheepish thumbs-up and promised to behave. In my defense, I just wanted a keepsake—because nothing screams “cherished memory” like getting publicly busted mid-performance.

The Sphere was a must-see on our trip, and it absolutely delivered. We caught Postcards from the Edge and were completely floored by the insane visuals on the massive wraparound screen—it’s like the future of movies landed in Vegas just to flex. The only downside? Why do these films always feel the need to remind us how terrible humanity is? I get it, we’ve got our flaws, but maybe toss us a little hope instead of a guilt trip. The experience itself was so immersive, it didn’t even cross my mind to miss the popcorn.

@toddswank Thanksgiving at Bellagio. #christmas #thanksgiving #bellagio #lasvegas ♬ All I Want for Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey

@toddswank I almost got thrown out of the Michael Jackson One show at Mandalay Bay for taking these pictures. #lasvegas #michaeljackson #cirquedusoleil ♬ original sound - Todd Swank