"Excuses are monuments to nothingness. They build bridges to nowhere. Those who use these tool of incompetence are masters of nothingness." This quote hung on the wall of my fifth-grade teacher, Mr. G. Anytime a student forgot his homework, he had to stand up in front of the quote, recite it, and remain standing until … Continue reading Excuses . . . And a Compromise: Squatting in a School Parking Lot
I had one of the most enjoyable vacations (with my children) that I've ever had. I'd like to give some love to everyone in New England, you all are some truly awesome people and your towns, countryside and cities are beautiful. We got back home to Pasadena and literally within a day everyone, kids included, … Continue reading Vacationing While Fluffy (Fat, Chunky, Overweigt, etc.) – 304
"Now hold it just like this, like a frisbee, but smaller." His large, dark, rough hands would move my chubby little fingers on the oblate river rock. "It's all in the snap. In the wrist. You have to get low and snap your hand forward, but hook the rock with your finger so it spins. … Continue reading Parenting Lessons from Skipping Rocks
As I sit here, sipping my cup of chicken broth, about to undergo yet another cleanse for yet another colonoscopy, I realize how blasé I've become about the whole ordeal. Don't get me wrong, it's not fun. I don't enjoy a whole day of only consuming a clear liquid diet, followed by hours in the … Continue reading My “Bravest” Medical Procedure.
Background A few months ago a writer's group I all too infrequently get to attend (shout out to my lads and ladies at Pints and Prose) issued their first writing challenge: take the following prompt and write a story less than 3000 words using it. The prompt was, "Someone walks into their house and it’s … Continue reading Reality Bites
I wonder if things would have turned out differently for the Olympians if Zeus would have ever climbed down from Mt. Olympus and just played catch with Ares. Or Hephaestus. Or any of his dozens of children for that matter. I wonder that if he took a more modern role in raising his children, there … Continue reading The Dwindling Mythos of the Father-figure.
