Got offered a promotion that would mean way more hours and probably some travel. Six figures which we need, but my oldest starts middle school next year and I wanted to be more involved not less. My wife said it's my call but we both know what that really means. Feels like I gotta choose between bei...
Was at a restaurant last week and watched a young man walk past an elderly lady without holding the door. His date was with him and didn't even flinch. When I was growing up that would've been unthinkable. You just did it. No second thought, no expecting praise. It was what a man did. Now everything...
In a world where nobody stands for anything anymore, I'm making sure my boy learns what it means to be a gentleman. Strong handshake, yes sir and yes ma'am, pull out chairs for ladies, keep your word no matter what. He's ten and already has better manners than most grown men I see. It's about honor ...
Freeze waffle batter in ziplock bags the night before and just throw it straight in the toaster in the morning. Takes literally 2 minutes and the kids think I'm a genius. No idea why I didn't figure this out sooner. Plus it's way cheaper than buying frozen ones. Anyone got other easy breakfast wins ...
Don't get me wrong, I love my kids and my wife, but some days I feel incredibly alone. Everyone talks about how great fatherhood is but nobody mentions the isolation. Can't really hang out with my buddies anymore. Too tired to maintain those friendships. Wife is great but she has her own stuff. Feel...
Was checking my phone while my wife was talking about her day. Her dad set his fork down and just looked at me. Didn't say anything mean, just looked disappointed. Didn't pick it back up the rest of dinner. That stung more than any lecture could have. Realized I've been doing that too much lately. A...
Been working with my 12 year old on his handshake. Firm grip, eye contact, clear voice when he says his name. Took him to church last Sunday and he shook hands with the pastor and three other men without me prompting him. That's the kind of thing that matters. These are the foundations that separate...
That was not in the YouTube videos. It's not in the hospital classes. It's not in the parenting books. It was just... everywhere. On the onesie, on the sleeper, on his back. How does that much come from something so small? My wife was laughing at me while I was gagging. Cool cool cool we're doing gr...
Wife was going through baby names and said 'what about Aaron' and I immediately said 'A-A-Ron?' in the Key and Peele voice. She did not think it was as funny as I did. Apparently this is a preview of things to come with our actual children and she already regrets her life choices.
Because he heard someone had stolen a base! My kids literally groaned so hard they went silent. Mission accomplished.
So I walked in his room without knocking and caught him on his laptop looking at some inappropriate content. I froze, he froze, then I just closed the door and left. Don't even know how to handle this conversation. Do I ground him? Have the talk? I'm totally lost here. He's got parental controls but...
My wife finally convinced me to talk to someone about the depression stuff I've been dealing with. Had my 4th session last week and I don't know if I'm just naturally resistant to it or what but I don't feel much different yet. The therapist seems cool and asks good questions but I'm waiting for lik...
So I decided Saturday morning that we were building a treehouse. Didn't have plans drawn up or anything, just some 2x8s and a vague idea. My oldest helped me hoist the first platform and my youngest kept handing me nails he found in the garage. By hour 3 my wife was yelling that lunch was ready and ...
Seriously I don't know what it is about standing over a grill with a cold drink but it just makes everything seem better. Could be dealing with a crazy day at work or kids driving me nuts but 20 minutes at the grill and I'm a new man. Anyone else get this or am I just weird.
Manager offered me a director role last week. Better pay, better title, more prestige. But the hours are insane and I'd have to travel 3 weeks a month. My oldest has soccer, my daughter wants me at her school events, and my wife is managing everything. I declined and honestly I feel weirdly relieved...