Categories
Adventures

Decision time

Sometimes, you find yourself at a crossroads: You must dig deep into your hardwired soul and decide — is it time for fight or flight?

Do you dig your heels in and wage a to-the-death battle, or do you slink away and hope to disappear into permanent anonymity?

Categories
Childhood Family Home improvement

You mow, girl!

There are plenty of fantastic milestones in your children’s lives.

First day of kindergarten. Getting a driver’s license. Prom. Wedding. Rebounding from that corporate wide-layoff.

I have experienced plenty of wonderful milestones for both of my kids, and I am sure the upcoming achievements will be equally awesome.

Categories
Childhood Family

Oh, little brothers

The other day, my wife and I celebrated our 17th anniversary. I have written plenty of anniversary columns over the years, so this won’t be one of them. I think the fact that we hit 17 years can be summed up with this one sentence: My wife is very patient.

Categories
Childhood Family Food

No kidding

I recently read an article about a restaurant that was under fire for posting on Facebook that it would no longer allow “small screaming children,” adding that the establishment is “an adult themed restaurant that caters to those who enjoy food and are out to enjoy themselves.”

Categories
Adventures Animals Childhood

Eel before me

Few things in life bring you joy like a headless eel.

Well, I guess I should clarify. If you are my son, few things in life bring you joy like a headless eel.

Readers of my column have gotten to know Parker and his many nature exploits. He loves nothing more than spending time outdoors, catching critters and observing nature. When I was his age, I was much like him. With one small difference.

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Uncategorized

How to succeed in business by trying just a little

I was recently asked to speak at a resume workshop for college students. I have been hiring folks for nearly 20 years, and I’ve seen some resumes in my time. And the reality is, most resumes alone won’t get you the job. But plenty will NOT get you the job.

Categories
Family

The (temporary) bachelor

Recently, I spent four days as a bachelor. Now, while many of you would assume that my wife finally came to her senses, I can assure you that this was mutually agreed upon. My kids had spring break, and because the grown-up world is cruel and without reason, I do not get spring break. My wife decided to take the kids to Atlanta to visit her folks, leaving me to fend for myself for a few days.

Categories
Animals Childhood Family Uncategorized

Snakes alive! (And also a toad)

Like most of you, my idea of a perfect day includes finding a snake that regurgitates a toad.

I see you are all nodding in agreement, so I’ll share the details.

Our day began recently out at our family land. The start of spring is one of our favorite times out there, as that is when nature wakes up from winter, and many of the critters begin making appearances.

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Uncategorized

Lacrosse path

parkerlacrossephoto1

Many moons ago, my wife and I were on our honeymoon and had made a stop in the Bahamas. During a stroll, we came upon an overlook where we could see down into a small stadium where a game of cricket was being played. My wife asked me to explain what was going on.

Categories
Adventures Family

The dangers of phones. And bears.

When our species begins to decline in numbers, I do not think it will be due to environmental degradation or war or bears.

Those issues are certainly things to stay up all night worrying about, perhaps in a fortified bunker in your basement. And if you think bears aren’t a concern, remember that they can outrun us, outclimb us and outswim us. And we’ve spent decades teaching them how to ride bikes. We’ve created a potential monster.