Finding gratitude in the worst of times

Sometimes I feel like we are living in Charles Dickens’A Tale of Two Cities.

Memory is a funny thing

Sometimes I am amazed at how my mind works.I remember the most random things — random occurrences, random scenarios from my childhood.Last week my mind hit a brick wall.I was getting ready for Thanksgiving travel and looking up directions to my parents’ new house.

Watch the right hook

It’s been a while since I’ve been punched in the face. Actually, it’s been ever. Until the other day.I wasn’t looking for trouble. I wasn’t in a shady part of town or covering a heated game gone wrong. I was just minding my own business when it happened — quick, clean, and completely unexpected.

Life lesson learned

I had a humbling moment on Friday.I was driving to a football game with Calvin when he told me that he forgot his backpack at the office. I told him I’d bring it to him on Monday, but that he had to start being more responsible for his things.Let this be a learning lesson, I said. Famous last words.

Survivor: Holtz edition

There’s a new season of Survivor starting, and I am already invested in what happens.No, I haven’t jumped on the CBS bandwagon to watch the show that’s been on TV since 2000. This version is happening in my own living room.

Having the right response

Over the weekend I took my family to the zoo in Omaha. It was a break from the day-today grind, and I was looking forward to getting away and enjoying my day.My parents drove out from Indiana to see us. We purchased a new vehicle, and my mom and dad were driving it to us.

Are you building a winner?

How do you build a winning program? Can you do that only during the season?There is a group in the community who asked the Fullerton School Board for more access to the gym and weight room so they can lift and improve their game outside of schoolorganized sessions.

Pokémon or bust

The things a father does for his children.Sometimes that means coaching a team. Sometimes it means sitting through a school concert. And sometimes, it means driving to Grand Island on a Saturday so your kid can play Pokémon cards.Last week Calvin asked me if I would take him to a tournament.

Dark side of high ceilings

High ceilings look impressive — until half your light bulbs burn out and you realize you’ll need circus training to change them.Our home has 20-foot ceilings, which makes the place feel huge. But when the light fixtures are that high, replacing bulbs becomes an event.

Not worth the redo

Scrolling through social media the other day, I stumbled on a video that made me stop — and think about time.It lasted only 15 seconds and began with the main character celebrating after winning the lottery. Mid-celebration, the screen faded to black.