Category: 2026
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On Parents and Children
Inspired by Derek Thompson’s reflections on parenthood, this post explores the profound shift from being “just us” to seeing my wife through the lens of being parents. It’s a tribute to the evolving versions of the people we love and the “new rides” we choose to take together in the amusement park of life.
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On Tin Cans and Smart Watches
A neon green “Tin Can” phone and modern smartwatches have brought a surprising wave of 1980s-style freedom to our house. From “jankety” wagon rides to unannounced neighborhood playdates, here is how a little technology is giving my boys the childhood exploration I remember.
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On a Little Story About Magnatiles
Koen, A lot of what I write I figure you’ll have no idea what I’m talking about by the time you read this. You might be at an age now where you do remember some things, but I’m hoping this is one you’ll read and say, “huh. Well that must have been a passing thing.”…
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On Fishing
A father’s reflection on rediscovering the joy of fishing through his son’s eyes, from childhood memories at the family farm to catching largemouth bass at Kinsale.
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On My Mount Rushmore of Books
Boys, I’ve never been much of a “reader.” I like to write, obviously, but I was never really patient enough to read. When I worked construction (before smartphones), we’d drive hours at a time to get to a job, and I had a few books I’d bring with me to read on the road. I…
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On A trip in the Way back machine
Boys, Did you know that your mom used to blog? She called her blog “Corks and Kale” because she wanted to celebrate the idea of living a healthy lifestyle while also being able to let loose sometimes and have some fun. We also used to make kale chips in the oven and I don’t know…
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On Golf Glory: The Underdog Victory
Boys, I like to think I am ahead of the curve when it comes to using AI in ways that are productive and beneficial. Unfortunately, I’m also prone to type things like this into my phone at night after your mom falls asleep. This is just me kind of having fun. Hope you like it.…
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On Dog Psychics
Boys, Your mom is a very practical and get-things-done kind of girl. She’s also a sage-the-house-to-cleanse-the-energy kind of girl. Sometimes, she’s a I-need-you-to-pick-up-this-kitchen-table-from-a-dark-alley-on-campus kind of girl. Yesterday, she was a there’s-a-difference-between-leaving-the-burner-on-and-losing-track-of-time-and-nearly-burning-down-the-house-because-I-left-the-burrito-on-the-stove kind of girl. She keeps us guessing and we love her for it. Your mom isn’t afraid to go against the grain and do…
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On Surviving Slinky Dog and the $42 bubble machine
What causes more anxiety: a Slinky Dog roller coaster for children or overpriced bubble machines for adults?
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On boredom and the Middle Ages
Boys, Put every idea in the world into a hat and try to draw one less exciting than boredom — it’s not easy to do! But I think boredom is important in an age where attention is at an all-time low. I believe that the ability to be bored is becoming more of a skill,…