Crabcake Confusion

Posted inAmerica, Columns, Family, Food

To be honest, I got a little cocky. I can only blame myself.

My wife went away for a few days recently, leaving me in charge of everything – the house, the meals and our daughter. I had complete control.

In the days and weeks leading up to this time, Bridget and I giggled over having the freedom to not put a clip on a bag of cereal of chips, just daring the food to go a little bit stale. In other words, I showed my true maturity level.

When we had the house to ourselves, we didn’t go nearly as crazy as we may have intimated, but we certainly had a little bit of extra fun. We didn’t have many bags we could leave unclipped, but we turned the TV up a little louder than usual and had no regard for normal rules of when the day’s newspaper moved from the dining room table to the recycling pile.

Like you, I am amazed the police never showed up to calm us down.

Better Red Than Dead

Posted inBeach, Columns, Family

We have certain traditions on my family’s annual beach vacation. We always have a cornhole tournament. One night features a crab feast. In recent years, we have added a scavenger hunt for the children in the family.

This year, one of the irregular traditions I observe has returned. I got sunburn really bad, really fast.

As one of true Irish blood, I don’t really tan. I can get a darker tint to my skin, but you would never mistake me for one of the “jersey Shore” characters.

That crew tans so much, they almost turn orange. I get red after just a few hours in the sun.

Another Wedding Miscue

Posted inColumns, Family
Some recent weddings in my family produced some embarassment for me. I'm not talking about making a fool out of myself on the dance floor because I have enough company…

Happy Father’s Day

Posted inFamily
I have had a good Father's Day. I got a nice present from my daughter. My wife made an amazing breakfast for me. Later today, my father-in-law will come by…

Baby Stepping into the Present

Posted inColumns, Family

I have a complicated relationship with technology. Whenever something new comes out, I really, really want it. I inherited that trait from my late father.

But over the years a few factors – namely reality and my wife’s love of thrift – have taught me the difference between wanting something and needing something.

I have appreciated this newfound part of my personality. Sure, I miss the thrill of the impulse buy, but I feel much more secure when I do break down and buy something fun.

This is why I couldn’t understand her angst recently over the new cell phone she had her eyes on.

Trouble Making Connections

Posted inColumns, Family

As I sit down to write this column, something doesn’t feel quite right. I have started to have bouts of heartburn which drive me crazy. I know I shouldn’t eat certain things at certain times, but can’t help myself.

So I try and take it easy the next morning with a nagging pain in my gut. Getting old stinks.

The good thing is that I know it will go away. I know I can modify my habits. I know I will feel better soon. I wish I could say the same for my mental faculties.

I haven’t become more forgetful or started to deal with bouts of confusion. I still make it home safely at the end of the day. The problem is that, once I make it home, my daughter may want to play a game. That’s the part which makes me start to feel really bad about myself.

Usually she just wants to play “Sorry!” This is a family favorite which has spawned some epic battles over the years, but no real bad blood. Sometimes she chooses “Life” or “Battleship,” both of which pass the time and really just come down to luck.

But lately she has started to choose an older game which has really made me question my worth as a father, a husband and a contributing member of the community.

Bridget likes to challenge me to games of “Connect Four.”

Relief Shopper

Posted inColumns, Family, Food

I try to help around the house as much as I can. My limited skills (and interest) disqualify me from many chores, but I still like to think I contribute to the common good.

The other night I could see that my wife just needed a break. She had a busy week. I needed to step up my game.

Lucky for me, the task Maria needed help with ranked up there as one of my favorites – grocery shopping.

Walking the Walk

Posted inColumns, Family

I had to go to the mall with my daughter recently. I noticed that she lagged behind me most of the time as we walked. I figured she had figured out she needed to stay close enough so that I would not worry, but far enough away so that people might not think she was with me.

Typical tween behavior, I assumed. But when I brought it up, she had a completely different answer. “You walk too fast.”

I should have known this answer would come. In fact, she has probably told me the same thing before. I know my wife has. On more than one occasion, she has squeezed my hand and told me to slow down.

I have the same answer I do for most of my problems – blame my family.