There’s no doubt that we are experiencing some trying economic times. Gas prices climb to astronomical numbers (the lowest I ever remember was $.59 – I guess I’m old), milk prices are rising and…well, what prices aren’t skyrocketing? It’s during these times that the pressure to provide also grows, and the work-life balancing act that parents must perform daily becomes more complicated and treacherous. [more]

Much has been written recently about the fact that my generation is the first to financially fall short of my parents' generation. As a dad and – more importantly – a man, this is a disheartening fact. It doesn’t matter how true it may be. It doesn’t matter if the facts and figures all support the reality. What matters is that my manhood has seemingly been challenged. [more]