It's been so long since last I wrote a straight-up piece that this is about as good a time as any to do just that. You're probably wondering what I mean by a "straight-up" piece. I mean one not including sub-headings, images, and captions, all placed to supposedly enhance my piece's Search Engine Optimization or … Continue reading Fathering Softer #4 — Parenting Myself
My firstborn has had his own "screen", aka mobile phone, since the end of 2021. He was 12 then, going on 13. To ensure my wife and I set the right tone to cultivate responsible use of it, we had written up a phone contract which my son had to sign before he could have … Continue reading Fathering Softer #3 — Screen Time Is How Teens Connect
In the spirit of lifelong learning, I had two major New Year resolutions this year (and one minor one). They pertain to self-development and growth. First, I wanted daily to be a better version of myself than I was the previous day. Ambitious for sure, but gotta reach for the stars so I can at … Continue reading My 2024 Musings On Learning #1 — Generative AI
Tomorrow, C, my youngest (of two kids) who has autism, turns 13. Even though he still looks like he's not a day older than eight (the year I started this blog), it's still a milestone year as he transitions into full-fledged teendom. But, thanks to a decision in 2017 to keep him back an extra … Continue reading Daily Living with Autism #15 — Kids say the darndest things!
Two months ago, I launched this mini-series that talks about the dreaded writer's block. It was all about how simply starting any writing with one true sentence can unlock any writer's creative juices. I followed that up with a second piece last month about how, when stuck, writers need to go even deeper into their … Continue reading Curing Writer’s Block #3 — A Quote (or Four) To Inspire Writers
Dear J, my Precious Son Guess what? I never thought it'd happen, but I learned recently that I was in fact a bona fide "Tiger Mom" Dad! Okay okay, I hear you. What's that you're asking? Well, in a nutshell, this term was made popular globally by a 'nutty' professor called Amy Chua. She's this … Continue reading Fathering Softer #2 — No More “Tiger Mom” Dad!
It's hard on parents when a child has a meltdown. Even harder if it's unexpected. And if the child has autism? Well, let's just say the subsequent combustion can be a mini supernova! That's what happened to us two days ago. But before I recount the incident, a quick background for new readers to my … Continue reading Daily Living with Autism #14 — Scared to go alone
Recently, I found out about a podcast singing contest helmed by one of my favorite singer/songwriters to walk this planet, Sara Bareilles. At the same time, I found a related interview with her in Forbes about this contest (aptly called Breakthrough; unlike other singing contests, judges in this one listen to but don't see contestants … Continue reading Curing Writer’s Block #2 – Going Deeper Together
Yes, that's right. I am finally saying it out loud. I wish to be free from cars. Or more specifically, my car! What brought this on you ask? Well, aside from the last two times I wrote about my car, I've actually had many more occasions to write about it. Not the least of all … Continue reading My Car Saga Musings #3 — Why I Can’t Wait To Be Free From Cars
Four months ago today, as I was leaving one of the many public libraries in my country, I chanced upon a makeshift bookshelf near the exit that displayed a series of books about dementia and health issues facing the elderly. At first, I didn't think much of it. These are probably monthly-rotated showcases. The next … Continue reading Living in my 50s #4 – Is this the time of my life?
