This morning was another long drive to start the day. Instead of diving into my audiobook I took a different option. I skipped right past the Audible app and opened up Music.

I bounced from one genre to another, often singing along in my own solo car concert. One song would remind me of another and then I’d see something totally different while finding that one on my car radio. I’m not sure that I’ve ever covered anything quite so eclectic. For reals. I honest to God covered music including DMX, Simon & Garfunkel, Rage Against the Machine, and Celine Dion. Yes, you read that right; I listened to her song from Deadpool 2. Throw in some mid-90’s favorites like this:

While audiobooks are still very much my jam today was a nice respite. Being able to just think while singing and listening was exactly what the doctor ordered on a nice cool autumn day.

Thanks!!!

Isn’t it funny how a simple nonchalant comment can lead to an awesome memory?  One of my Menomonie teammates offered up muffins this morning.  “I even brought butter,” she said with a smile.  At once my mouth started watering and a memory from long ago exploded across my mind.

Way back in the day my Mom would occasionally make muffins for us on Sunday mornings.  I wasn’t a fan of blueberry so she’d go out of her way to make some almost plain ones; adding a pool of jelly in the middle of them.  When they’d come hot of to the oven I’d see just how much butter I could get away with stuffing in the middle of the muffin before being scolded (not gonna lie, that still happens today).  The muffin would soak up the butter and I’d enjoy each delicious buttery bite of sweet baked goodness.  Mmm…  and now my mouth is watering again!

Just thinking back to those muffins had me smiling thinking back to lazy Sunday mornings at home.  No cares of concerns, just sitting around the bar in the kitchen with my family.  So many peaceful and wonderful memories.

Yesterday I joked with Becky that while yesterday was “My Lucky Day” today is “My Dad’s a Jerk Day.”  (in a loving way)  The morning after I’d fallen head over heels for Becky and pursued her with everything I could muster I woke up to hearing my dad tell Becky something.  The gift opening was at my parents’ house and Becky had showed up about the time I was waking up.

“Don’t worry Becky, I already let Mike down and told him you took your beer goggles off.”  Of course there was a bunch of laughter – just not from me.  The funny thing is that with the passing of time I can’t think of that comment without smiling from ear to ear.  That was Dad being Dad.  I definitely miss some of those one liners and little (yet loving) jabs.

Along with yesterday being the 20th anniversary of asking Becky out it’s also the same anniversary of this picture with my dad.  Thanks to an awesomely thoughtful gift from my mom this picture hangs in my office today.  It is one of my all time favorite pictures of my dad and I.  We had so much fun that night, I am thankful for those memories.

With the cool fall air and the painter’s palette colored clouds in the sky I can’t think of a better way to warm my soul than those memories today.

Thanks!!!

You’ve probably noticed I have a bit of a reading problem. While I consume most while driving I also have a paper stack that seems to always grow just a smidge faster than it shrinks.

Tonight as I laid my newest beauty on top I chuckled to myself. Of the books below it I’ve got a few started that I need to wrap back around to. Will I finish them before I start digging into the new one? 🤔 Only time will tell (in about 15 minutes).

Regardless of the choice I make tonight there will be at least the same, if not more, choices tomorrow night! My stack will probably not shrink and could possibly grow by tomorrow… what’s that? There’s a new Simon Sinek book coming out in two weeks? Dang, I’d better get reading!

Thanks to everyone who’s let me borrow books, shared book recommendations, or have otherwise pointed me in the direction of a certain author.

Thanks!!!

Perspective is a powerful thing. Back in the day my parents would remind me often that I not only have to beat my opponent, I have to beat the referee also. Not only that, but I must treat the referee with respect at all times.

I’d love to say I’ve always listened to, respected, and never complained about referees. I’d love to say it but it wouldn’t be true. At times I’ve gotten very frustrated with referees. The Fail Mary, Packers v Seahawks on 9/24/12 immediately comes to mind. I’m fairly certain I wasn’t in agreement with, respectful of, or pleased with the referee in that moment.

Dominic is now in his third year of being a soccer referee. Ever since he’s taken on that challenge it has really opened my eyes to what referees do.

In watching him ref I see how quickly he has to process a situation and make a call. I always thought soccer was a pretty simple sport until I asked Dominic to explain the rules laws of offsides. He shared that we didn’t have the three hours required to help me understandably the possible variables and situations. After learning more I’m amazed that referees can make some of the calls they make with as fast as the game moves and the number of things they have to observe at all times.

Since Dominic’s become a referee it’s really opened my eyes to what referees have to deal with on a Dailey regular basis. Think about it, on almost every call (or non-call) you’ll most likely had disagreement from at least 40% of the crowd. Regardless of how right the call is there will almost always be someone who disagrees with it, often verbally.

To put yourself into that type of position is crazy. It’s also an incredible way to build resiliency. What an awesome way for him to develop the ability to make quick decisions and then stick through them. Talk about life skills that will stick with him.

I thoroughly enjoy talking with Dominic after one of his games to hear how the coaches, players, and spectators reacted – for better and worse. It helps me learn to do a better job as a spectator and a parent of a player.

It’s fun to hear him after the games he plays to hear his take on the referees – for better and worse. It’s interesting to hear his analytical take mixed sometimes with a little player bias.

I also love having a resource to go to when I’m not sure what the right call actually is. This weekend that call involved asking about a “redo” of a throw in that never enters the field of play. I’ve learned so much more about the game since he’s become a referee.

So many wonderful reasons to be thankful for having a son who’s a referee. He’s learning so many wonderful life skills that will serve him well. Dominic is also helping me to be a better spectator and parent, something we can both be appreciative of!

Please do me a favor the next time you’re at a sporting event. Go out of your way to thank a referee for taking on an almost thankless job. They will smile huge and appreciate the gesture.

Thanks!!!

Isn’t awesome when you get to witness tremendous improvement?  Today I’m so thankful to see such improvement from Gavin in his game.  The comparison of today to last week was a huge step forward for him.  There’s still much for him to work on but it was great to see him learning from last week’s experience.  I can’t wait to see his progress over the next few weeks as well.

All throughout the day I’ve been blessed to have so much family time.  The morning started out with a walk with Becky and I.  Dominic and I shared some great conversation as I made supper.  Becky, Gavin, and I had time together while driving.  We ate dinner as a full family.  Ken & Mary, Matt, and Tabitha & Mason all met us at the game.  I had some fun conversation with my mom and texted with my brother.  To have so many different variations fo family time and experience together has been outstanding.  I’m so appreciative of all that time together; it’s filled my heart with joy all day long.

Thanks!!!

Tonight at church Father Dodge focused on generosity, giving, and remembering to take care of others first.  He shared a couple of ways he’s learned to remember to take care of others and then he asked us a question.  How do you remember to give to others?

My answer hit me immediately.  I listen to what Becky suggests.  I learn from what Becky does.  I follow Becky’s example.  Pretty straightforward.  When you’re married to an incredibly generous person you’ve kind of got it made.

While it wouldn’t be right to share a bunch of the examples, one doesn’t have to look any further back than about twelve hours ago.  She and Gavin volunteered at the YMCA 5k/Half Marathon.  Instead of sleeping in she got up, got moving and helped others.

Through the entirety of the time I’ve known her she’s always the first to sign up for bringing a meal, helping out, and volunteering.  When we make charitable donations they are usually started and increased due to her idea, input, and influence.  It never fails.  If someone needs help Becky’s right there to step up and take action.

I often catch myself looking inward.  When I observe Becky she is usually focused outward towards others.  It’s so easy to pause, see the world through her eyes, and then take the right action.  I’m so blessed to have a life partner who can help me become a better person.

While Father Dodge never ended up calling on me tonight you now know why my hand went up when he asked how we remember to be generous.  In that same moment I was reminded of just how appreciative I am for the generosity of Becky.  The way she lives her life is a constant example of giving to others in so many ways.

Thanks!!!

With life flying by as it has it’s nice to pause and soak life in. It’s been busy and non-stop so it’s nice to pause and chill.

I’m thankful for taking time to chill and relax.

Thanks!!!

For a period of time this week and today I haven’t been Gavin’s favorite parent. He wanted to skip soccer practice to go to the Oktoberfest parade this evening. Skipping practice would mean that he’d get to the parade early. Attending practice meant he might miss the first 10-15 minutes of the parade.

Tonight he was adamant and emotional about skipping practice. From past lessons learned from my parents I gave him an option. We only had to discuss the options twice before he made the correct decision.

My parents are the best. They taught us discipline and grit. When it was needed they offered up tough love and pushed us. All the while they always reminded us that we had a choice. Once that choice was made I needed to choose my attitude accordingly. It wasn’t always what we wanted to hear, but it was something that had an awesome impact on my life.

As a parent I now realize how difficult it can be to stay tough in those situations. It would be so much easier to give in and save the lesson for a later date. Doing so would do the boys a huge disservice and would reinforce the wrong behavior. I’m so thankful and appreciative of the strength of my parents when they pushed the tough love. They inspired me to take the right action today.

After offering Gavin the choice he made the right decision. There was some initial frustration but by the time I was taking him to practice he was excited and pumped to play; smiling even! It doesn’t get much better than that. Who knows, maybe he’ll remember this when his boys are in the same spot in the future…

Thanks!!!

I switched up my reading pattern a bit over the past few books.  Usually it’s business, biography, fiction.  Based on some great reads there were a couple of extra fictions.  Then to catch back up there was a string of business.  To get back into the routine I fired up a book that was kind of a mix of biography, fiction, and business.  Once finished it leaves me pretty open ended to explore any direction I’d like and still make progress.  Pow!

How did I stumble into a book that covers all my bases?  A lot of luck and great timing. 

On Writing by Steven King is half autobiography, half instructional manual, and half fictional review.  Yes, I know that’s three halves.  It’s a very fulfilling book! 

Long story short, it’s his story of how he started writing, the ways he crafts his stories, and how he’s applied that craft in his books.  With the book about losing my dad almost done with a the rough draft it is the motivation and direction I need to push me to the next step.  As luck would have it I even accidentally stumbled into one of the key steps; letting it simmer.

I still remember reading some of his amazing stories way back when I was a kid (Eyes of the Dragon and The Stand).  Some of my favorite audiobooks have also been his (Bag of Bones and The Outsider).  Being able to sneak behind the curtain and learn from one of the masters has been awesome and appreciated!  If he were to read this post and then write his blog for the day I think it might be:  Day 1 – Thankful for the Omission of an Unnecessary Adverb.  Just a hunch.  😉

Thanks!!!