Out of sight is not out of mind when you’re a parent. When your children are toddlers, you develop a sixth sense. You instinctively know that if you don’t see them and it’s quiet, trouble is afoot. I learned this summer that sense stays with you the rest of your life. It is especially acute … Continue reading Unaccompanied minors
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Olympic memory
The Summer Olympic Games are once again upon us, and I am inevitably transported back to 1996 when Atlanta served as the world's host. I began my post-college journalism career at The Macon Telegraph as a general assignment features writer. It was the best job in journalism I would ever have, and I appreciated it … Continue reading Olympic memory
Summer of shows
It’s been a summer full of drama around our house. And that’s just the way we like it. There once was a time when summer was nothing but sleeping late, snacks, and cartoons for our boys, but since our youngest son, Carlton, was bitten by the acting bug back in 2020, our summer has become … Continue reading Summer of shows
Fewer neckties
My apologies if I’ve been showing too much skin this summer. Modesty and professionalism usually prevents me from exposing my ostrich neck, but the recent "heat dome" has helped me lean into the men’s workplace fashion trend away from the necktie. The death of the necktie has been proclaimed for several years, and last year … Continue reading Fewer neckties
In the mix
With so much tragedy in the world, it grieves me to report another catastrophic event has occurred right here in Lilburn at the Publix Super Market at Five Forks Crossing. On June 8 in the year of our Lord 2024, they were out of Utz Pub Mix. When the friendly cashier asked “Did you find … Continue reading In the mix
Yard sales
I’m not a big fan of yard sales. I do not rise early on weekends to catch the best ones in the neighborhood. I don’t scan Facebook groups for promotions of upcoming sales near me. I am not excited about the prospects of having to put one on myself. But last weekend shifted my attitude … Continue reading Yard sales
My first pedicure
Lt. Dan made me get a pedicure. OK, stick with me here. When Forrest Gump arrives in Vietnam with a batch of freshly trained soldiers, his platoon leader Lt. Dan Taylor gave him advice that has stuck with me through the intervening years since I first saw the film in 1994: “Two standing orders in … Continue reading My first pedicure
School’s out for the summer (older kid edition)
When our boys were younger, the end of the school year used to mean popsicles, trips to the playground, swimming at the neighborhood pool and unstructured play time. This is what summer used to look like for us way back in 2012. I haven’t been nostalgic for those days, but I have noticed just how … Continue reading School’s out for the summer (older kid edition)
You win some, you lose some and sometimes it rains
My two older sons and I failed in our first attempt to see the Atlanta Braves take on the San Diego Padres at Truist Park May 18 because of inclement weather, and we weren’t mad about it. The rainout doubled our fun. I had a jacket and we all had our umbrellas at the ready … Continue reading You win some, you lose some and sometimes it rains
Graduation vs. Commencement
If you’re like me, your social media feeds are filled with joyous celebration photos from high school graduations and college commencements across the country. This is the season of endings and beginnings. Last year we had the former. This year we have the latter. All this pomp and circumstance has me contemplating the differences between … Continue reading Graduation vs. Commencement
New South Essays 