Kirk blAug

The day dawned with the promise of music as Jupiter set off for the Bi-State honors band festival at SIUE, leaving Tsunami and me to our own devices. Our morning unfolded leisurely, with YouTube videos providing a backdrop to a relaxed start. When lunch approached, Tsunami and I embarked on a culinary experiment with his new electric dumpling maker. Our quest for the perfect premade dumpling dough turned into an inventive twist using empanada dough, tailored to fit our creation. The combination of plant-based sausage, pepperjack cheese, and red bell peppers proved to be a delightful filling, culminating in a first attempt we were both proud of. Braving the biting cold, Goat joined us for a brisk walk. Despite the harsh wind chills, the walk was a cherished opportunity for undistracted conversation and connection with Tsunami. Later, a nap offered me a brief respite while Tsunami continued to unwind. The day's crescendo was Jupiter's concert at SIUE. After two days of collaborat

This morning, I rose early with the aim of clearing some work off my plate, setting the stage for a relaxed coffee break. The company of Ty and his dad made our visit to Annex in Webster—a place famed for its exceptional coffee—all the more enjoyable. As the afternoon unfolded, the boys, fresh from their first day back at school, dropped by for a catch-up session. It's always a delight to hear their school stories and share in their daily adventures. Our day took a practical turn with a quick stop at Guitar Center. Jupiter needed some guitar cables, and while we didn't linger to try out instruments, the brief visit added a note of musical intrigue to our day. Dinner was the crescendo of our day, spent at Terror Tacos. Known for its stellar Mexican-style cuisine, the restaurant's entirely plant-based menu is a haven for us. It’s a welcome change not to have to pore over menus and ingredients to find vegetarian-friendly options. Dining at places like this, where every dish al

In the stillness of an ordinary workday, my thoughts occasionally wandered to Tommy, our household's newest addition, who was spending his first extended period alone. Returning home to find the animals safe and content was a relief, particularly seeing that Tommy had navigated to a safe spot for his meals, away from Goat's curious nose. The rhythm of the day found its cadence in the routine walk with Goat, a practice that grounds me amid the bustle of life's demands. It was after this walk that the day's tempo changed, as a call from Tsunami ushered in an unexpected but heartwarming twist. The kids, seeking companionship after a day on their own, requested to spend a part of the evening with me. Their mother's message earlier in the day, asserting that I was not "authorized to remove them from her home," loomed in my mind. However, the children had made the decision themselves to seek my company, and I honored their autonomy by providing the care and atte

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