The first sleepover. The first sleep-away camp. The second. The third. As a parent, one can't deny the fear and dread that comes with seeing your child taking on some measures of independence. There's something about them walking away for that bus ride, for that camp registration desk, for that assigned cabin, that makes ever… Continue reading Baby bird peeking out of the nest
Month: January 2020
Trivial trivia
There's important trivia, like "Who was the 30th president of the US?" There's less important trivia, like "How many different 'Mountain' roller coasters are there on Disney properties?" And then there's completely irrelevant, important-to-no-one-but-a-few-people-trivia, like "What was the name of that cereal that had a commercial that started with a cowboy singing 'Get along, little… Continue reading Trivial trivia
Family laughter around the TV
It's surprising these days how much active fun can be had by getting the family together in front of the television. Growing up, we'd gather around the TV to watch favorite weekly sitcoms together. Even though some of the jokes went over the heads of us kids, enough landed for us all to share the… Continue reading Family laughter around the TV
Gifts
Both giving and receiving gifts are paradoxical activities. On the surface, they're signs of generosity and gratitude. However, forced-gift-giving events (birthdays, Christmas exchanges, house warmings) can be troublesome. When you're the giver, you have the time pressure of buying something before the event combined with showing that you give a damn. That adds a lot… Continue reading Gifts
Showing you still know how to do it
Ever find yourself in a situation where you have to tackle a specialized task, and flex muscles that you haven't used in a while? And imposter syndrome starts to set in? Maybe it's helping your child with his algebra homework. Maybe it's cooking or baking a complex recipe for company coming over. Maybe you're taking… Continue reading Showing you still know how to do it
The Joys of JJFoley 