Aliens, Guitars, and Maxell Tapes: The Epic Fifth Grade Mixtape That Had It All
Van Halen. KISS. The Carpenters. A wild mix of noise and wonder—and a drum solo that rewired my brain. Music has a way of opening portals.
Posts
When a Spill Is Just a Spill
Two cups of water hit the floor at the gym. Some people called it a disaster. I called it practice. The small stuff trains us for the big storms.
Living in the Bubble of Boyhood
Parenting a pre-teen means protecting the bubble of boyhood while teaching responsibility. Here’s how I’m using scaffolding to guide my son through chaos, bad decisions, and growth.
My Version of Red’s Bean and Cheese Burrito
A homemade take on Red’s burritos: Rancho Gordo pinto beans, melty Costco Mexican blend cheese, red onion, and Hatch green chile cream, rolled tight and crisped golden. Air fryer and freezer-friendly.
Ritual de lo Habitual: Finding Meaning in Life’s Maintenance
Adult life is full of maintenance—health, budgets, routines—that can feel monotonous. But with intention, maintenance becomes ritual, bringing joy, presence, and meaning to the everyday.
Pasta Puttanesca
A late-summer afternoon, Gio’s first record, and the most satisfying pasta dish I know. This lusty, briny puttanesca hits with bold flavor and a touch of family ritual.
The Courage to Say It Out Loud
Unspoken expectations lead to resentment. In this reflection, I share how courageously setting expectations changed my relationships, reshaped my coaching, and brought peace. Saying what you need out loud is uncomfortable at first, but it’s the only way to move past turbulence into calm.
Caramelized Onion & Cheddar-Brie Mac and Cheese
A cozy, elevated twist on mac and cheese: buttered penne layered over a silky aged cheddar-Brie sauce, folded with caramelized onions, and finished with fresh Serrano heat. Even my picky daughter said, “Yum, that’s good!”
Easy Miso Cod Recipe (Also Works with Salmon) – Fast Weeknight Dinner
This miso cod recipe is a weeknight cheat code—marinate, broil, and enjoy silky, savory fish with rice and bok choy. Effortless, delicious, and restaurant-quality.
A Rustic Riff on Scampi Shrimp, White Beans & Ditalini
A rustic twist on shrimp scampi—creamy alubia blanca beans and ditalini take the place of plain pasta, creating a silky base for buttery shrimp, bright tomatoes, and a little Serrano heat.
Let Them Play: Why Parents Shouldn’t Coach from the Sidelines
At a youth baseball game, I watched a dad coach his son after every pitch. The boy kept looking at him instead of playing. It reminded me why parents need to stop coaching from the sidelines—and let their kids fail, learn, and grow.
Trouble Sleeping? Why Midday Meditation Can Save Your Day
Some nights, even with all the right sleep rituals, I still find myself staring at the ceiling until 3 a.m. The next day feels foggy, heavy, and frustrating. But I’ve discovered one small practice that helps me reset: a short midday meditation. It won’t cure insomnia, but it can save the day.
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