Continuting to breakdown Marcus Aurelius’s thoughts on how one should act, the next part is a quick bit of advice – and also uses a great word. Don’t gussy up your thoughts. First off, let’s all agree that “gussy up” is a tragically underused phrase. Now that we’ve established that, my first thought is howContinue reading “Stoic Saturday: How to Act (Part 2)”
Author Archives: Pat Kose
What Does Dad Smell Like?
If scent is the sense with the strongest connect to memory, what will your kids remember about you? I don’t think I have a signature scent, but there is no time like the present to imbedding some olfactory fatherly memories. But what should that be? What do I want my kids to remember dad smellingContinue reading “What Does Dad Smell Like?”
Dad Has a Football Face
Life is a neverending journey of self-discovery. Some lessons we learn for ourselves, and some are taught to us. Yesterday I learned something new about myself. I have a “football face.” Not that I’ve got a football shaped dome like Hey Arnold or anything. My face and the noggin its attached are normal sized andContinue reading “Dad Has a Football Face”
2023: The Album (Live)
If you’re reading this, you know us well enough to be included in our annual Christmas/New Year’s letter. Congratulations! This year, we’re going audio. Please enjoy this playlist summing up the highlights of 2023. And yes, most of the songs are at least 25 years old, so you know they’re good. Track 1: Brooks GetsContinue reading “2023: The Album (Live)”
How Do I Explain Michael Jackson?
My five year-old daughter wasn’t feeling well. In the middle of the night she came into bed with my wife and I. She climbed in, got under the covers and said “Daddy, are Michael Jackson’s brothers alive?” Naturally. Michael Jackson, and his family, have been a frequent topic of questions from my kids for theContinue reading “How Do I Explain Michael Jackson?”
My Daughter Hates Gym Class
She was in tears. She was on the verge of a full out meltdown. Refusing to get off the couch. Refusing to get her shoes on and get ready for school. I thought she must not be feeling well, but between her sobs she was able to let me know that wasn’t the case. ThenContinue reading “My Daughter Hates Gym Class”
My Son Won’t Stop Biting
There comes a time in every father’s life when he must sink his teeth into the fleshy pudge of of his three-year old’s arm. No? Is that just me? I know it is a very common thing for a child to go through a biting phase, but it is my understanding that it is alsoContinue reading “My Son Won’t Stop Biting”
The Stuff Nightmares Are Made Of
Over the years, my kids rarely get up in the middle of the night because they’ve had a bad dream. When it does happen, it seems to come in waves. We’ll go months without somebody crying out for mommy or daddy (usually daddy), and then get three or four in a week. Some of themContinue reading “The Stuff Nightmares Are Made Of”
I Wish I Could Tell My Kids to Shut Up
I won a raffle at a local coffee shop this week (shout out to Sparrows!) and my prize was a gift basket of stuff. It was sitting out on the counter when my wife got home from work, and upon seeing it she joyfully exclaimed “Shut up! We won!?” While my kids were not thatContinue reading “I Wish I Could Tell My Kids to Shut Up”
My Kids Are Always Singing
Even before my kids were born, we always had music in the house. Records, radio, streaming, whatever, just something playing in the background. After my kids were born, we introduced them to music pretty much from the time we brought them home from the hospital. Music is supposed to be good for their little developingContinue reading “My Kids Are Always Singing”
I Think Therefore I Dad 