TL - That's Life

Mommy said she doesn't like IYL as much, so she wants me to use TL. With very few exceptions, mommy gets what she wants. Anyhow, I was chatting with your Aunty Rain and mentioned that "where there's a will, there's a way". Unfortunately, sometimes people lack the will. I hope everyone finds the will to do what needs/wants/can be done. I am finding my will as well.

I don't cook as often as I'd like. It could be called lazy, but it's mostly because I don't want to pack the house with random ingredients that I may only use once. That being said, I have sugar free jello (hopefully the sugar substitutes don't give me dementia) and your mom's greek yogurt, and your frozen blueberries. Look what I made. I hope it's good. I'm trying to get my physical, financial, and mental health together before I turn 50. It's only 5 years away. I want to start now to give myself time, but also to build a habit so it's easier. I hope you can use this as an example that you can do it too. I know you say you can't, but I know you can. Just gotta find your will/motivation (and I don't want to always be negative punishment)...

Artificial Intelligence (Uncle Alex Intelligence)

Maybe I should introduce you to Ara (Grok's AI name on my phone). Artificial intelligence is going to be part of your future whether you want it our not. Having moral objections like your cousins isn't going to change the fact that you're not going to be able to avoid being impacted by AI. We should probably get you use to it. We can all learn together.

I know we use AI for printing images for you, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. I pray that you don't become a victim of AI, but that's probably a risk whether or not we expose you to it. AI is definitely more patient than mommy or I can be. We just need to make sure, with all things, we keep an eye on AI and your use of it. Again, forgive our efforts for raising you how we think is best for you.

Golf Win

I know this blog is for you, but I did have a great round of golf today. I guess to piggy back off yesterday, I don't expect to be great at golf, but I still try and I enjoy my time when I'm out there. I think that's how you/we need to view your activities. While you may not be good at soccer, it allows you to interact with other kids and work on new skills. Jiu Jitsu has the side effect of teaching you discipline and some defense. Swimming, teaches you to swim. My Gym is like soccer.

So even though we know you don't exactly enjoy the activities, they're good for you (even if you're not good at them). I guess in hindsight, mommy and I turned out just fine without doing any activities growing up, but that's because we didn't have the opportunity and times were different. We believe we know better now and have the means to give you things we didn't have. I hope we're doing the right thing. I hope you forgive us for trying. Wonder when mommy is going to notice my new golf head cover...

Soccer WWW (Win, Worry, Womp)

You did not do good at soccer today. We may be wrong for being hard on you while you're on the field. However, that doesn't change the fact that you really need to do better. We really don't expect or need you to be the next Messi (or Ronaldo), but we really do need you to try and listen to your coach. We need to find a way to get you to recover quicker from your fails and disappointments. You tell us all the time that it's okay to lose, but it doesn't seem like you take your own advice.

We also need to work on your communication skills. You often yell, but I get that sometimes it's frustrating when you're not heard. You scared the coaches today when you said you "cut yourself". You told me "you're dead". You really need to be more thoughtful about what you say because words have consequences. Not sure how we're going to work with this. At least you don't saw "pee" or "poop" as much out of context anymore... 

Staying Alive

I had bloodwork done a few days ago. Today I went to the doctor to go over the results. They weren't bad, but they weren't great. That normally wouldn't concern me, but since I became your father, I've had to look at life a little differently. Even though I love a lot of people in my life, all of them should be fine without me and I'm not really responsible for them. I'm responsible for you. I hope you forgive me.

Coincidentally, the doctor is pregnant and expecting her 2nd child. I'm sorry we haven't been able to give you a sibling, but know, we're working on it and hoping the 3rd time is a charm. I will also be working on improving my health so that I can be around as long as I can (or you need/want me). 

Personal Space

Today Miss Andrea let us know that they're teaching you about personal space. I guess I was caught off guard because it's been a while since we heard anything. I'm guessing it's because the nuns aren't saying anything. I'm glad you're comfortable enough to be in Miss M's personal space, but you need to learn about respecting others' personal space.

We're not sure how to teach you, but we're going to try. It's kind of our own fault for not having boundaries with our space with you. Like all things, it's going to be different, but it's best for the long term. I'm writing this in the morning and you're not having a good morning. I keep telling you, it's okay to feel how you feel, but it's not okay to act how you act...

Mr. Independent

Your birthday just continued on. You got more presents and your own cookies. I know we spoil you. Heck, everyone spoils you. I don't know how we're going to get you to be better and independent, but we have to try. You're not going backwards, you're growing up. We can wipe your chim or brush your teeth for you much longer. I don't know how long before you can wipe your own booty.

I know you're used to having us around and helping you, but you need to learn to be more independent. I know I might be sad (I don't think so, but mommy maybe) when you finally are doing things yourself. Try to treat our help as a bonus and not a regular thing okay? Don't take things for granted.