Category: Looking Back

Jul 09
“When Are You Having A Second?”

I've been asked that question half a dozen times in the last two weeks. Everyone from coworkers to friends and family seem to be vocally curious if we are having unprotected sex or not. We've really enjoyed the first two plus years of having Mr. Dude around, but it has been a lot of work. Going from a childless couple to a couple with a child, as well you may already know if you are a parent or caretaker, causes a great change in your life. Those early months are wonderful…

Jul 08
Quality Time & Doing Good #KINDMilesMatter

I love to spend quality time with my little family. I'd rather spend a Friday night at the drive-in or a Saturday at the park with them than get any gift. Physical gifts are great, but in the long run they wear out. Memories can last forever when written down and shared. I've always preferred experiences over things. They make me happiest. Its important for families to get moving and spend quality time together, especially during the sunny summer time. We don't get easy winters in Chicago often so those sunny…

Apr 19
Introducing My Kid To A Classic American Diner

My favorite place to eat with my dad as a kid was Denny's. I could have breakfast there anytime. That made me smile like nothing else could.

Feb 27
Five Of My Favorite ‘Star Trek’ Episodes with Leonard Nimoy as Spock #LLAP

I grew up watching Star Trek reruns on TV and watched the movies on repeat through elementary, middle and high school. Spock was an iconic character from the future brought to life in only the way Leonard Nimoy could have done. I had wanted to meet him in person, but sadly was never afforded the chance. The way I view the world was largely shaped by this practical and logical (sometimes even playful) character in a fictitious science fiction universe. I'm sad to see him gone.

Jan 12
Hey 2015,

Thanks for the rocky start. I hope this means you’ve got some seriously good stuff waiting for me later on in the year. Mr. Dude was so sick he missed his first two days of school (day-care) and it was so cold outside they closed down for what would have been his third and fourth days. SkyWaitress […]

Nov 29
Friends Are Worth Being Thankful

I consider my wife to be my best friend. We're a team that can conquer almost anything when we're on the same page. We've got a lot of shared experiences and stories and love spending time with each other. In many ways were are like Kirk and Spock from Star Trek, except with more romance. I'm gonna get in trouble for that reference aren't I?

Oct 03
Our First 5k Run

I was in my 30s before I participated in my first 5k. My son, however, participated in his first 5k at the ripe old age of 1. No, don’t worry, he didn’t walk it. We did bring a stroller along for him to ride in as we went up and down the paths in Chicago’s […]

  • Baby
Aug 13
And Then My Wife Says, “Could That Have Been What Caused The Flat Tire?”

Just as we started our journey down the highway to a family movie night at the grandparents yesterday we heard a loud bang, the car shook a little and our tire pressure light flashed on. My wife's first words were "What was that? What did you hit?" I knew it was not good.

Aug 11
That One Time I Met Robin Williams and Made Him Laugh

I’ve been a fan of Robin Williams since I was little. Movies like Hook, Aladdin and Jumanji are part of my childhood that I will never forget. They helped form the sense of humor I have today. Fast forward a few years to movies like World’s Greatest Dad, The Final Cut, RV, Insomnia and many […]

Jun 15
5 Life Lessons My Dad Taught Me

Life has not been kind to my dad. He's faced some tough situations that no one should have to deal with. He's not perfect, but he is authentic.