Vacation is officially over. It’s time to head back to work, school and other standard occupations.
After we’ve fully enjoyed the holidays, we are curtly shoved out into the dark, dour epoch that stretches on until the next official holiday. We must endure a cold, bleak existence until February, when we come skidding up to Valentine’s [...]

Here’s a little quiz for all the husbands out there.
Let’s say you’re working toward a deadline that is mere days away. The project has been going on for about a year, and you know you’re under the gun.
And let’s say that today you have an opportunity to work late; the last opportunity this week. [...]

It wasn’t five star dining, it wasn’t a healthy food haven, it wasn’t an iconic classic, it wasn’t a cherished town treasure, it wasn’t an example of period architecture.
It was just a great place to get a burger and a fries. And a corn dog. And a grilled cheese sandwich. And a milk shake [...]

Last night after dinner, my wife was sitting on the couch flipping through channels. I sat down next to her.
“I don’t remember the last time I saw you channel surf,” I said, somewhat proud.
She went past the History Channel, which was airing a “Modern Marvels” episode about 1970’s technology, and continued up the list. I [...]

Why is it so hard to get a straight answer from a four-year-old?
Michael came bounding downstairs just a few minutes ago, ready to start the day.
“Okay, Michael. What would you like to eat?” I asked him.
“Can I watch something?”
“You know the rules, sport. You have to be ready to go first. Dressed and fed. Then [...]

Tyler over at Building Camelot is holding a sort of a photo challenge that looked very intriguing. You can read all about it at his post, Pictures Of Life: Parenting Behind the Scenes.
Thus I present these photos of life with a four-year-old.
My theme is “Making Room” — all the ways Michael’s stuff has elbowed its [...]

One recent weekend, Michael went to a birthday party for a fellow four-year-old, one of the denizens of Ms K’s home daycare. It was at a local “jumping around like jackalopes” venue called “Pump It Up.” Michael had never been to such an elaborate and expansive indoor play facility, whose sole purpose is to allow [...]

Sometimes life hands you a cartload of lemons but offers no explanations. During those sour times it’s really easy to allow yourself to sink into discouragement and stay there. Sometimes you want to close up shop and head out of town.
It’s not a fun thing for you, nor is it pleasant for those around you. [...]

I’ve never been big on coming up with interesting stuff to do. It’s one of my greatest weaknesses. So providing interesting diversions for the kids while we’re driving them around is just not something I do well, if at all. I’ve typically left that up to my wife, claiming that I need to concentrate on [...]