Kirk blAug

Tonight, Tsunami took the helm in our kitchen, guiding us through another AI-created recipe. With a bit more guidance than our previous experiments, we managed to craft a surprisingly tasty baked mushroom macaroni dish. It's moments like these that illustrate AI’s potential to add a dash of creativity and novelty to everyday tasks. As AI continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, I've observed a spectrum of reactions, ranging from fear to fascination. The apprehension surrounding AI is understandable. It brings with it a realm of unknowns and the potential for significant disruption, which can indeed be unsettling. However, my personal experiences with AI have largely been positive and eye-opening. It has become a versatile tool that enhances my expression across different writing formats, from professional emails to personal journaling. In coding, AI has streamlined my workflow, aiding in debugging and function development. Furthermore, it's become an invaluable a

This morning's run at Castlewood State Park with Goat and Ty was a blend of physical exertion and emotional catharsis. Ty, a dependable friend, lent a listening ear as I navigated through the complexities of my divorce. The Skippo loop trail provided the perfect backdrop for venting and unwinding. Back home, the day unfolded with a comfortable laziness, punctuated by Jupiter's hockey game later in the evening. Meanwhile, Jupiter had his own adventure at Guitar Center, diving into the world of music with his friends. The highlight was witnessing him skillfully handle a $2000 Eddie Van Halen replica guitar, a moment that clearly resonated with his musical passion. During this time, Tsunami embarked on a unique culinary adventure, using ChatGPT to concoct recipes from ingredients we had at home. It was an experiment in creativity and culinary exploration. While the outcome, like breaded grapes in Parmesan and hot sauce, might not become a family favorite, it was a fun and adventur

This morning's run was a solitary affair, a decision made in consideration of Goat's well-being after yesterday’s exertions. After a short walk with him, I set out alone for the woods, leaving him to rest. My destination was Greensfelder Park, a place I fondly refer to as the 'amusement park behind Six Flags.' It's a whimsical comparison, but for me, Greensfelder offers far more amusement these days than its famous neighbor. The journey there is a familiar one, initially heading towards Six Flags, but then veering off to a path less traveled, yet more cherished. The morning was damp and misty, conditions that often promise solitude on the trails. Today was no exception. I found myself enveloped in the quietude of the park, with only the soft patter of rain and the rhythmic sound of my footsteps as company. Over the course of eight miles, human interaction was pleasantly absent. It was just me, the rain-soaked trails, and the enveloping peace of nature — a combinatio

This morning was consumed by a necessary yet taxing encounter with the legal system. I met my lawyer for a court status conference, a crucial step in the ongoing, often high-conflict divorce proceedings. While there seems to be some progress, my optimism is cautious, tempered by the unpredictable nature of these proceedings. Seeking solace after the conference, I took advantage of the day off from work and headed to Rockwoods Reservation with Goat. The run through the woods was therapeutic, an effective way to release the pent-up frustrations and anxieties that court appearances inevitably stir up. The tranquility of nature has a way of easing the mind, and today was no exception. The afternoon transitioned into a more light-hearted affair. After picking up the kids from school, we headed to the mall for a bit of holiday shopping. Their mission was to find gifts for their mom, an activity that I was more than happy to facilitate. Our mall excursion led us to a delightful discovery — Da

As another week rolls by, one marked by the absence of my usual running regimen, I've found solace in the steady companionship of my dog, Goat, on our daily walks. These walks, while tranquil, have made the lack of running more noticeable. Running, for me, isn't just a physical exercise; it's a mental and emotional release, a ritual that brings equilibrium to my life despite its demanding nature. The concept of gratitude came into play vividly last night during a bedtime conversation with Tsunami. When he turned the tables and asked me what I was grateful for, my answer, 'doorhandles,' might have seemed trivial at first glance. Yet, it sparked a deeper contemplation about the often-overlooked conveniences that streamline our daily lives, making our routines smoother and more efficient. Tsunami's expression of gratitude for our forthcoming Christmas together opened a window into his perspective and led me to reflect on the evolving nature of our holiday tradition

Today unfolded in a remarkably uneventful manner, a gentle reminder of the quiet blessings often taken for granted. In a world where each day can bring unexpected challenges, the ordinariness of this day was its own kind of gift. Waking up without the age-old concerns of food and shelter immediately put the day into a perspective of gratitude. The convenience of a grocery store, a mere stone's throw away, eliminated the primal need to hunt for sustenance. The security of a roof over my head provided a sense of peace and stability that our ancestors might have envied. My workday followed a familiar rhythm, a balanced blend of professional tasks and household chores. Each completed task, though routine, contributed to a sense of accomplishment and order. It's these standard days at work and at home that form the backbone of a life lived in comfort and predictability. In recognizing the uneventful nature of the day, I found myself appreciating the luxury of predictability. There&#

The first race of this year's Frostbite Series marked a significant milestone in my running journey. It was not only a return to a cherished winter tradition after the pandemic pause but also my debut as a board member of the Saint Louis Track Club. The 12k race, part of a series I've eagerly participated in for years, took on a new meaning as I embraced my evolved role. The Frostbite Series has always been a winter highlight for me, a time when I push my limits and often achieve my best times. There's something about the cold weather that invigorates me, sparking a stronger, more resilient version of myself as a runner. Today, the weather was unusually mild for a winter race, hovering around the 50s — an ideal condition that blended the briskness of the season with the comfort of a cool autumn day. Running alongside Ty, a familiar and encouraging presence, added to the excitement. Our strides in sync, we navigated the course, each step a testament to our dedication and the

This morning was the turning point in a saga of stress that had lingered like a persistent fog over my workdays. Solving the intricate puzzle of a development pipeline issue not only cleared the haze but also set a triumphant tone for the day. With a sense of accomplishment, I met with my friend Ty and his father for our weekly coffee engagement—a ritual that has become a beacon of warmth and connection in my routine. Our meetings over coffee have turned into a cherished tradition, a space where time seems to pause, allowing us to revel in the simple joy of conversation and the quiet hum of life around us. Being invited into this fold by Ty and his father has added a layer of interpersonal richness to my life, for which I am deeply grateful. With spirits buoyed by caffeine and company, I proposed a trail run to Ty. The opportunity to lace up and hit the paths of Emmenegger with my loyal companion Goat was met with enthusiasm. Our run was mapped out as a 'yin yang' course—a trai

Today tested my resolve once more, bringing forth the harsh reality that the path to harmony can sometimes be paved with discord. Facing vitriol from a person I once believed held me in love's regard is a stark reminder of how much has changed. Despite our agreements and my earnest attempts to adhere to them, criticism has been quick to follow. Yet, in the face of such trials, I'm reminded of the power of appreciation. I am deeply thankful for the professionals who steadfastly guide our family with the best interest of our children at heart. They are the unsung heroes in our story, each playing a vital role in weaving a tapestry of support and understanding for our kids, who find themselves amidst turmoil they never chose. The co-parenting counselor, the compassionate team at Kids in the Middle, our dedicated Guardian ad Litem, my therapist, and the insightful authors whose works have been a beacon during stormy times—all of these individuals collectively form a bulwark

Today was a whirlwind of tension, beginning with an anxiety-inducing co-parenting counseling appointment. To add to the strain, a complex problem at work presented itself as an unyielding puzzle, contributing another layer of stress to my already fraught day. In search of solace, I turned to my meditation practice, hoping to find balance in its calming repetition. When a single session didn't suffice, I doubled down, giving myself over to the practice a second time. Seeking further release, I laced up my running shoes and set out with Goat, my loyal companion, for a run that I hoped would clear my mind as effectively as it would energize my body. However, it wasn't until the responsibilities of work and the weight of the appointment had lifted that I truly found my escape. I delved into the virtual worlds of video games—a realm where stress and reality dissolve into pixelated adventures. Today, I lost myself in the creativity of Tsunami's Mario Maker level, then transitione

 This morning's run was set against the backdrop of nature's own amphitheater at the Bluff View trailhead. My friend Ty and I were the early birds, with a plan to meet others, but a small mishap with communication led us to different starting points. Nevertheless, the trails decided we should reunite, and they wove our paths together in their own time. What felt like a swift journey through the Bluff View and Zombie trails culminated in an 8-mile adventure that surprisingly left me no more fatigued than when we started. The trails here have changed character over time, mostly due to the Greater Ozark Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) reshaping them with mountain bikers in mind. Though it's lost some of its allure for those of us on foot, the trail retains a certain charm that keeps us coming back. I’ve noticed a shift in my trail running habits; where once the trails were my weekday sanctuaries, they've now become weekend retreats. Perhaps it’s the natural progression of growing

 This afternoon, the boys and I ventured into the heart of city charm and nostalgia—Cherokee Street's Antique Row—for the beloved annual Cookie Spree. Our family's affinity for antiques is only matched by our fondness for cookies, making this event a perfect outing for us. The spree coincided with the Print Bazaar, a celebration of local print artists, bringing an additional layer of creativity to our excursion. Stepping back into this tradition after a hiatus during the pandemic, we noticed changes; the antique shops seemed sparser, giving way to a burgeoning scene of print artistry. The street was alive with creativity and community, a clear sign of transformation since our last visit. Among the many delights, one of the more unexpected encounters was with a friendly llama, nonchalantly gracing one of the street corners. It added a touch of whimsy to our day, creating one of those unique memories that we'll look back on with a smile. Despite the joy of the spree, there co