Kirk blAug

This past weekend was a whirlwind of activity, marked by a unique blend of community, running, and, yes, a bit of beer. As someone who cherishes both the quiet of solitude and the joy of social interaction, I often find myself walking a fine line between engaging with others and preserving my own space. This weekend was a testament to that delicate balance. Saturday: Brewery to Brewery Run The day kicked off with Happy's Running Club's Fall Brewery to Brewery run, an event that epitomizes two things people are incredibly passionate about: running and beer. The atmosphere was electric, filled with a sense of camaraderie and an unmistakable buzz of enthusiasm. The people I met were avid beer enthusiasts, their zeal for the frothy beverage somewhat eclipsing my own. Despite feeling a tad out of my league in the beer department, the warmth and friendliness of the group were infectious. I also learned more about their Tuesday weekly runs, which seem like a great opportunity for soci

In the circles of skeptic thinkers and bloggers, a phrase often echoes, "Be open-minded, but not so much that your brain falls out." While not attributed with certainty, it's most commonly linked to Walter Kotschnig, a voice of the early 20th century. This clever quip, however, isn't just about skepticism in the intellectual sense. It's a concept that resonates deeply when we talk about empathy, especially in the context of personal relationships. Kotschnig's era, marked by significant societal and scientific upheaval, mirrors today's world in many ways. Just as then, we are constantly challenged to discern truth from fiction, sincerity from manipulation. The quote serves as a reminder: be receptive, yet discerning. This balance is not only crucial in intellectual debates, as often seen in discussions between atheists and Christians, but also in how we manage our emotional investments. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, i

One of the many things that I admire about Chris is that she does a better job keeping a balance of things in her life than me. Despite everyone in her life always pressing her buttons until the letters are worn off and its all sticky, she can really power through and make things work to a point that I cannot seem to sacrifice myself to. It is because she cares a whole hell of a lot about people. She has given St. Louis a little more light at the end of it's tunnel since moving here and the city should be happy to have her. I wish I was able to hold it together under pressure like she can. But I am nowhere near as strong as she is in this area. A lot of times I am too aggressive when I should be more calm, or too calm when I should be more aggressive. Or too authoritarian when I need to relax and vice versa. This is especially important in parenting. Sometimes I get too overwhelmed and I feel like I am just barking commands instead of getting input from our boys. When they do