When our kids were young, my wife and I ran nonstop. In the evening, she packed the lunches for the next day while I supervised bath time and made sure they "cleaned behind their ears." It was a crazy, hectic time. It was only when the last book was read and they were tucked three... Continue Reading →
Creating on the Fly
(A version of this story first appeared on April 5, 2023 on The Heart of The Matter.) I would sit at the small desk, my back hunched over the best I could manage, and I would write out a sentence or two onto the page. I would stop, look at what I had written, and... Continue Reading →
Becoming My Parents (And Other Simple Pleasures)
I pulled up to the gas station the other day and the sign read $4.19 a gallon. I have to admit, I wasn't sure whether to laugh, cry, or celebrate. The price of gas has been up, it’s been down, and frankly, I never really know what to expect anymore. It seems to fluctuate based... Continue Reading →
A$AP Rocky vs. A Good Night’s Sleep
I'm just going to say it: I don't recover the way I used to. I'm rounding up all the likely suspects for questioning. My age, health, and mindset all come to mind. All three of them have their issues. I just know that I'm not the best at recovering like I was when I was... Continue Reading →
In This House
(A version of this story first appeared on March 1, 2023 on The Heart of The Matter.) My wife has a simple wall hanging that she picked up on sale from Target or TJ Maxx or some home goods store. I'm not good at guessing prices, but I can’t imagine that she paid much for... Continue Reading →
Stick ’Em Up: Why We Can’t Resist a Great Heist Movie
In my dream, I'm calm, cool, and collected. Danny Ocean's charm and planning skills seep out from my every pore. I look good in his tailored suit jacket. I've got Rusty Ryan's confidence and an unflappable ability to overcome any challenge. I'm working on my next heist, and I have cash registers ringing in my... Continue Reading →
Betsy Ross and the Three Moochers (Why the Flag Has 5-Pointed Stars)
Betsy Ross was down to her last nerve. Oh, you won't find this story in any history book but legend has it that General George Washington visited Betsy in her Philadelphia upholstery business and flag shop in May 1776. Washington, along with two other men — financier Robert Morris and Colonel George Ross, her late husband's... Continue Reading →
Hump Day Happiness: A Few Things That Made Me Laugh
I get amused easily. Here are a few things that have amused me in recent weeks. Call it a Mid-Week Happy Hump Day Laugh! Some are quotes, some are memes, and some were meant to be serious words of wisdom that still ended up striking my funny bone. Whatever the case, I thought I would... Continue Reading →
Soccer Fever in the US: World Cup 2026 Anticipation
Four or five years ago, I walked into the cafeteria and scanned the room for a seat. I saw my coworker Jim and walked toward his table. As I got closer, I noticed that he looked agitated. Diego was right in his face. I set my lunch down and took a seat next to them,... Continue Reading →

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