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
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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
Mothers and sons
It seems rare for a family structure to repeat, but my family is living proof it happens. I grew up the oldest of three boys with my mom the lone female in a household of uniquely male eccentricities. I am now the parent of three boys with my wife the lone female in a similar … Continue reading Mothers and sons
May the 4th be with y’all
It's Star Wars Day, and I cannot let this occasion go uncommented upon. "The Phantom Menace" is back in theaters on the 25th anniversary of its release, and I am frankly shocked that there is now a whole generation that looks back at the prequel trilogy with nostalgia. My children are among them. As I … Continue reading May the 4th be with y’all
Small talk
My day job has been a relentless torrent of small talk the last few weeks. And it’s glorious. For an extrovert like me, good small talk is a renewable and infinite energy source. I readily admit I have the gift of gab, and I feed off of the social interchange. What I find so appealing … Continue reading Small talk
On loss and stubble
This week marked the end of an era. For more than 30 years I have been shaving with a Gillette Sensor razor. The same Gillette Sensor razor. That all came to a sudden and tragic end the evening of April 7. While removing my toothbrush from the cabinet, my finger caught on the underside of … Continue reading On loss and stubble
New South Essays 