I’m not a really big fan of shopping. I really hate going to the grocery store. And, I especially hate going to the grocery store with a long, long list. I’ll do it, I just won’t like it. As K-Man was having dinner last night, I realized we were dangerously close to being out of a few key staples of his diet – most notably hummus, milk, mac & cheese and what K-Man refers to as “breakfast cookies” (a made-up name that makes him want to eat the healthy breakfast bars). So, after dinner, we went on a bit of an adventure to our local Trader Joe’s. [more]

I walk my dog every morning (usually at some kind of ungodly hour). And, when we walk, I keep him on a leash. Yes, he’s fairly well trained, but he’s still a dog. He’s still an animal. He’s still more than willing to bolt after a deer, squirrel, rabbit or mirage. So, he’s kept on the leash – walking right by my side. A dog. On a leash. Pretty much the way it’s supposed to be.

Kids on a leash, though? Not really the way it’s supposed to be. Apologies if you’re one of those parents parading around with your kid on a leash, but I really don’t get it. [more]

I’ve never been accused of being a neat freak. Though most of the time I will probably put my dirty clothes into a hamper, I’m the first guy to leave jackets hanging on chairs. I’m the guy kicking off my shoes in the entryway of the house. I may even leave a dish or two in the sink (something that I’m getting better at, however). Don’t even get me started on my car. [more]

I have a friend who travels quite a bit. She’s married, with two kids. I called her once just as she was getting ready to head out on one of her three-day boondoggles. “Bummer,” I said. “You’re leaving on another trek?” She couldn’t agree less. She was thrilled. “Are you kidding? I need a couple of days away.” [more]