Why don’t we smile like babies?

We have no definitive idea why we are on Earth, yet we waste so much of our time and energy doing jobs we hate so that we can buy junk food that we know isn’t good for us, watch movies that are too violent, shop is bland, generic soul-less malls and sit alone in traffic while our cars throw soot into the air.

How did we get to that point?

When I watch my child, I’m amazed by how much he smiles. He is happy to sit and look at me for 10 hours a day, doing nothing more than smiling, coo-ing and laughing. How did so many of us go from that to a normal, well-adjusted adult life? Growing up is strange.

Never teach a bunny to read

Never teach a bunny to read or he will spend all day sounding out signs.

That is all.

Improve Your Life By Changing Your Habits

We’re starting to think about baby-proofing our home, so we moved all of our plates and cups from low, open shelves in the dining room to our kitchen cabinets. But now, every time I want a cup of tea or to eat dinner, I walk to the wrong place to get my plate. I can’t believe how ingrained the ritual of getting my coffee cup is.

“Where I keep my plates” isn’t the only habit in my life. I also brush my teeth the same way, drive to work the same way and walk through the grocery store in the same order each week. It got me thinking that if you want to change your life, you need to change your habits. One by one, each habit you change will bring you closer to the life you’ve always wanted.

What habits are you holding on to? What are some destructive paths you want to leave behind you?

It sure is a pain the first few days to go to a different place for your silverware, but before you know it the new place feels right.

Dreaming of holding my child

For the last few months, both my wife and I have consistently dreamed about holding our baby. I would usually go into the symbolism of the dream (a baby is a new idea or project… and by holding it, I’m about ready to start something new… since the mood is nurturing, I’m ready to foster the new idea), but really I think my mind is trying to get a grip on the real baby that is usually on my lap.

It’s a strange dream to wake up with because I always think the pillow in my arms is a baby. I gently cradle the pillow and set it down so that I can get up to use the restroom. It always takes a good 30 seconds to realize the pillow is not actually my baby.

I think this is a strange phenomena of being a parent. Your life changes so suddenly and there are so many new ideas you need to be ready for — like it or not. It’s a lot to take in.

Have other parents had dreams like this?

Make the World Friendlier – Dress in Costume

Like many others, I wore a costume to work on Halloween and I didn’t take it off to walk to my car or during lunch. While in costume, I noticed that everyone said hi to me, asked me about my costume.

People I had walked by and ignored in the past, asked me about my day. If I were to suggest one thing to help build community in America, it would be “wearing costumes.” I think it takes people by surprise and puts you out of your norm.

Even if costumes can’t solve the world’s big problems, at least you won’t have to suffer small talk about the weather anymore.

Open Letter to All Mothers of Congressmen, Senators and Presidents

Dear Mothers of Future Congressmen, Senators and Presidents,

I need your help. Please write a letter to your child and ask them to be nice if they win today. Growing up I was told to share, cooperate, listen and play nice with others. The last few governments have forgotten these simple, childhood lessons. I know your child may not agree with their other “classmates”, but they should still treat everyone with respect. There is a lot of middle ground we can work together on.

Too many government officials have forgotten we need to be decent people above all else. I implore you to remind them of their upbringing and call them out when they stray. Suggest a friendly lunch with a nice, young Senator from across the isle or ask them to co-sponsor a bill with an opponent. It’s time to stop playing politics to get ahead personally and start using politics to build a better tomorrow for Americans.

Good luck with the elections. I welcome any of your thoughts on this subject. Thanks for keeping your kids in line,

-Steve

Holding a crying baby

One of the hardest parts of parenting has been holding a crying baby and simply waiting for him to stop crying.

Our little guy has gotten so tired that he forgets how to sleep. You can feel the tiredness in his heavy arms… see the anguish on his face… but nothing you do helps. You can’t make him fall asleep. You can’t sleep for him. You can only nudge him in the direction of sleep.

The first time I felt his little tears against my hand, it broke my heart. But it has also taught me a lot about empathy. Holding someone in pain — when there is nothing you can do to help — is a touching experience that helps you discover the meaning of true, unconditional love.

How I got the most candy on Halloween

I loved trick-or-treating for years longer than I should have — but the allure of a night where I could find unlimited candy at my neighbors’ doorsteps was too much. Getting the most quality candy was always mission, so I thought I would share some of my tips.

Trick or treat in a group. I’m sure my parents insisted on that for safety, but I loved it because you could trade your candy with everyone at the end of the night. If you got enough people together in a group someone was bound to love Tootsie Rolls more than M&Ms. My mission was to find that person and make sure nobody else knew their preference. You can even strike trading agreements before you leave.

Trick or Treat in a figure 8 or clover leaf. If you trick or treat in small loops going in different directions from your home, it’s easier to swing by home to drop off your current loot or go to the bathroom. (There’s no need to get a snack since you’re walking around with a bucket of sugar.)

Exchange candy with your parents. Odds are your parents give away candy… so why not trade your junk to them for half-way-decent candy… let your parents give out the bad stuff to unsuspecting kids.

Exchange candy in the take-a-piece bowl. There was inevitably one or two families near my house that would always have a take-a-piece bowls (but only one because the great goblin is watching) left on their stoop. It always felt like stealing to take a whole handful, but the sign never said anything about trading with the bowl… so unload your Circus Peanuts because something in the bowl has to be better.

Memorize last year’s dead zones. Some houses think it’s cool to give soda (but that’s heavy to carry), raisins, or toothbrushes. Remember these houses so you can steer clear next year.

Be on the look out for parents clearing their bowl. Shortly before some parents shut off the porch lights, they dump the remainder of their bowls in a lucky Halloween bucket. Listen to the grapevine for stories of these houses and try to position yourself to be the jackpot recipient.

Happy Trick or Treating!

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