Kirk blAug

Yesterday marked a heartwarming milestone in our household – we welcomed a new cat, Tommy. Jupiter's longstanding wish for a pet of his own finally materialized, and the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Our visit to Whisker Station, a cat cafe in Kirkwood that aids the Heartland Humane Society, led us to this special moment. At the cafe, Tommy stood out among the other cats, showing an immediate affection for us. Learning that he had previous experience living with a dog was an added bonus, indicating that he would likely mesh well with our family dynamics, especially with Goat, our dog. The cat's name, Tommy, resonated with Jupiter, a Primus fan, making the connection instant and meaningful. Now, having spent a day with Tommy, it's evident that this new addition is already leaving a positive mark on our lives. The integration of Tommy into our home has been a journey of adjustment for everyone, both human and animal. Goat and Tommy have developed an unexpected c

As the new year begins, I find myself reflecting on the past few weeks, which have been a mix of festive celebrations and poignant realizations. The absence of my kids during Christmas was more challenging than anticipated. Despite understanding that holidays are just days and can be celebrated anytime, their absence left a void that was unexpected. Our delayed celebration, when the boys returned the day after Christmas, was filled with the warmth of opening presents and enjoying each other's company. It was a reminder that joy can be found in new traditions and that moving forward is essential for growth. Our road trip to Columbus, Nebraska, to visit family was a highlight. Traveling with just the boys and Goat has brought a newfound ease to our journeys. While the long drive is still a challenge, the experience is now more tolerable and even enjoyable. It's moments like these that reinforce my belief that we're on a path to something better. Reflecting on the past, I real

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