Category: Love & Stuff

A Tree Stump By a Lake

There's an unassuming tree stump in a park I like to visit on my lunch hour. It's situated by a picturesque lake, surrounded by red cedars and Douglas firs. There is nothing special about this tree stump...except for the fact that it once served as the backdrop to a family Christmas card photo, many years ago. … Continue reading A Tree Stump By a Lake

My Bad Luck With Women: A Brief History

I had not planned on spending more than one post on my past dating woes, but there was some interest in hearing more, so what the hell? Maybe my bad luck in the past will help somebody else avoid a disastrous relationship in the future. Either that, or you'll all laugh at me. Things are great … Continue reading My Bad Luck With Women: A Brief History

The Old Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

This story has been making the rounds for years, at least among my friends (both IRL and online). I’ve been hesitant to post it on my blog because it contains “adult themes” and, well, hi, mom! But I’ve been listening to a podcast called Risk! lately, and its tagline is “true tales boldly told.” This … Continue reading The Old Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

All Because a River Flooded…

I was listening to NPR the other day, and they mentioned it was the third anniversary of the disastrous Missouri River flood of 2011. I remember that event well, because not only was I there...but it changed my life. I was tooling along Interstate 29 on a sunny and hot morning in July, en route from Cameron, Missouri to … Continue reading All Because a River Flooded…

Don’t Rest on Your Laurels

I came across this blog post the other day. Apparently, it's gone viral. When I saw it, I immediately thought of stealing this guy's idea, only instead of talking about a mistress as the title alluded - it's called I'm Dating Someone Even Though I'm Married - I would turn things around and talk about dating my … Continue reading Don’t Rest on Your Laurels

Buttering My Bread

I've had my fair share of embarrassing incidents thanks to hidden cameras. Take our trip to Newport last December. You may recall mention of a certain naked poolside dance, and the subsequent discovery of a camera aimed in that exact spot hours later. What are the odds of being caught in another compromising position by … Continue reading Buttering My Bread

Holy Matrimony!

As I write this post, I can hear waves crashing on the shore. I'm in a hotel room in Newport, Oregon, with the balcony door open and the cool salt air wafting in. I can hear the occasional cries of seagulls over the roar of the surf. It's been a constant in my ears since … Continue reading Holy Matrimony!

This Time it was Really Right

By all accounts, I should be a very cynical man. But instead of shying away from the prospect of a second marriage, I embrace it with a confidence normally reserved for poets, philosophers, and greeting card manufacturers. Why is this so? Last night, my brother and his girlfriend/life partner flew into town for our wedding. … Continue reading This Time it was Really Right

The Tittle Becomes an Umlaut

Maybe I'm naive, but I have no idea how to type those two little dots over the word naive. Nor do I know what they're called or why they're there. naïve Fortunately, I'm a pro at cutting and pasting. Normally, there's just one dot over the letter i. This is called a tittle. Adding a second dot turns the … Continue reading The Tittle Becomes an Umlaut

Their Home Will Be a Pleasure Palace

Shortly before Tara moved in last year, I christened my townhouse the "Pleasure Palace." This raised a few eyebrows, and had my mom admonishing me for "writing about such stuff" back when I was unemployed and desperately searching for work. (She also chided me anytime I mentioned raising a glass of alcohol to my lips … Continue reading Their Home Will Be a Pleasure Palace