Sometimes, I can be mean. I don’t always like it. Some people mistake my honesty for something mean-spirited. That bothers me. Others times, however, it can be fun. I had one of those opportunities recently when my mother-in-law visited. I love my mother-in-law, but I know how to push her buttons. I had a perfect […]
When my co-workers celebrated my birthday the other week, a smile came across my face when I saw the envelope with my birthday card. It simply read: “Shea.” That was one of the best things that could have happened. For as long as I can remember, I have either attracted nicknames or been called by […]
Today marks a very sad day in my life. I no longer have a birthday. Officially, I turn 37 today, but none of that really matters any more. My daughter turns 5 later this week and will have her birthday party today. Instead of basking in the limelight, I will carry around goodie bags, pass […]
My Mom taught me how to ride a bike in the Hutzler’s parking lot at Westview Mall in Catonsville, Md., on a Sunday afternoon. We had the whole place to ourselves because of the old blue laws. We missed the first half of a Baltimore Colts game while we were out there. I think they […]
Everything was perfect. We arrived at the hotel in New Jersey last Sunday with plenty of time to spare before my nephew’s wedding. We found one of my sibling’s rooms and made plans on where to meet before going to the church. We enjoyed some of the complimentary microwave popcorn that the hotel provided so […]
One of the great things about a family vacation is the things you learn. Maybe a sibling tells you a secret. Maybe you discover a new place to eat. Or maybe you discover the greatest game in the history of the world. I started to play cornhole down the beach.
We started a very important stretch of the summer this past week. I really need to stay focused or everything could come crashing down around me. It’s carnival season. Up until a few years ago, I had never visited any of our local carnivals. Then we had a kid, and I needed to entertain her […]
I have taken some chances in my lifetime. I have driven too fast. I once mouthed off to a 305-pound All-American defensive lineman. I even bungee jumped. But nothing compared to the situation I put myself in a couple of weeks ago. I volunteered at my daughter’s preschool. For two and a half hours, I […]
I have a pretty good life. I really can’t complain about much, but I will anyway. We have a nice house. We don’t have to scrimp and save for food or other basic needs. We get to take nice, but not extravagant, vacations. But things could be so much better. I blame my wife. Well, […]
I love sleep. Nothing feels better than curling up in a warm bed and drifting off. But something has changed about sleep as I get older. I generally wake up four or five times a night. I glance at the clock, figure out how much longer I have until I need to wake up, then […]