For months I've been shuffling things around trying to make meetings work, staying late to compensate. But today I just said no, I have to leave at 2:45 to pick up my daughter. Been dreading it but my boss said that's fine. Turns out setting a boundary wasn't the end of the world. Feeling pretty goo...
I'm dealing with a situation at work where my boss is asking me to stretch the truth on a report. I could get a promotion and it would help my family financially but I can't do it. My kids watch what I do and I won't teach them that cutting corners is okay just because the payoff is good. My wife th...
Started this hobby during the pandemic and now I'm that guy with the offset smoker in the backyard. Did a 14-hour brisket run last Saturday, managed to sleep like 4 hours total but it came out perfect. The bark was insane. Got compliments from neighbors I didn't even know existed. Downside is my wif...
Used to fish a lot before kids. Realized my 8 year old has never been fishing and that's a crime. Found a decent spot about 45 minutes away that has bass and bluegill. Planning a trip in a few weeks when the weather cools down. Getting him his own rod and making it simple so he doesn't get frustrate...
Took me like 60 hours but finally beat it. This game kicked my ass so many times I wanted to throw the controller. Probably shouldn't say that but it's true. Anyway something about working through that frustration and finally beating a boss after dying to it 30 times is satisfying in a weird way. Wi...
Just finished it last weekend. Took us about 4 months of weekends but we got a legit 8x8 platform built in the oak tree in our backyard. The kids helped with every step and honestly it was way more work than I thought but so worth it. Now they actually want to spend time outside instead of gaming. B...
Thought I'd surprise the fam with a nice 3 mile hike. 20 minutes in my 7yo is complaining her feet hurt and my 9yo is asking if we're there yet. Ended up carrying the youngest half the way and we still had to turn back. Anyone have tips for making hikes fun for kids or should I just accept were a ca...
Haven't slept more than 90 minutes straight in 6 weeks. I fell asleep at a red light yesterday and woke up to horns honking. Baby has reflux and won't sleep flat. My wife and I are taking 2 hour shifts at night and by day we're both zombies trying to figure out how to function. We tried the bassinet...
Just wanted to share a win. We did a no screens week because I was tired of fighting. First few days were rough ngl. But by day 5 my kids actually started building stuff in the backyard and asking to play board games. Its been 2 weeks now and theyre back to normal with screens but way less demanding...
Starting this Saturday. Got the lumber delivered yesterday and watched like three YouTube videos on proper safety. My oldest is 7 and my youngest is 5 so nothing crazy, just a simple platform about 8 feet up in the oak tree. My wife thinks I'm insane but honestly I'm more nervous about my own balanc...
My son keeps asking for a gaming headset so he can play with his friends online and I'm trying to find something that's not gonna destroy his hearing or cost me $200. Also want it to have a mute button so I don't have to listen to him and his friends screaming in the background all night lol. Any re...
Usually my son's lunch comes home barely touched and I'm like what am I even doing. But today I threw in his favorite sandwich, some fruit, pretzels, and a little note with a joke. Got a call from his teacher saying he was so proud showing everyone his lunch and that he ate every bite. Small thing b...
Been a single dad for 4 years now since their mom left. I want to make sure my kids still learn compassion and emotional intelligence but I also want to model what it means to be a strong man they can depend on. Some days I feel like I'm missing something in the equation. How do I balance being thei...
Planning to smoke a brisket Saturday morning for a small family thing. Last time I did one it came out kinda tough. I know you gotta wrap it, but should I do foil or butcher paper? Also how long are we talking total? I've got like 12 hours to work with. Any tips from you guys who actually know what ...
Just bought a nice Weber last spring and the thing is already getting surface rust in spots. I kept it covered most of the time too. Is this normal or did I get a lemon? Thinking about hitting it with some steel wool and oil but would rather not have to babysit my grill every month.