The callous, embittered phrase "back in my day" is as pervasive as it is eyeroll-inducing. Tell me you're an old man without telling me you're an old man. Live long enough, and you will inevitably utter it*; especially now, when the development of new technologies has made such an experience gap possible for even the … Continue reading Year 5, Day 363
Tag: television
Year 5, Day 359
I found a good solution for the "we're out at dinner but Miles is getting punchy" dilemma: have him sit on the side of the booth where the television showing silly animal videos is in full view. As an added bonus, it also works on spouses. Of course, eventually the food came out and the … Continue reading Year 5, Day 359
Year 5, Day 207
Nothing says "My family definitely tried to play DVDs on a Nintendo Wii today" quite like coming home to this scene: I suspect they also tried using the PS5 with a PS3 controller. They were unsuccessful in their endeavors, but we can all rest easy knowing they were ultimately able to do...whatever it was they … Continue reading Year 5, Day 207
Year 5, Day 109
Today, after enduring three days of escalating hell-like temperatures, our AC was finally serviced. The house was still cooling back down when I left to pick up Miles from daycare, but I still enthusiastically relayed the news once we were in the car. "Buddy, I've got good news," I started. "The air conditioner is working … Continue reading Year 5, Day 109
Year 4, Day 355
Miles's television interests are fickle, to say the least, and his new Obsession of the Week is a show called Blaze and the Monster Machines, which follows a bunch of anthropomorphic monster trucks on what can generously be called "adventures." Miles's enthusiasm for the series is so great, he insisted that I sit down next … Continue reading Year 4, Day 355
Year 4, Day 307
As I was leaving for trivia, I tried to say goodbye to Miles as he was watching TV. I said, "Bye Miles," a few times, but he didn't break his unblinking gaze from the television or even acknowledge me. "Miles, the house is on fire," Jaclyn tried. "Yeah," I said, leaning in close to him. … Continue reading Year 4, Day 307
Year 4, Day 94: A Bluey Appreciation Post
Like any young child, Miles loves to watch shows that I can barely tolerate. In the past, I've mentioned my disdain for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Then there's PJ Masks, which is fine, I guess, but not something I'D necessarily want to sit down and watch with him. And then, there's Bluey. https://www.youtube.com/embed/VS5jsksGIM4 Produced in Australia, … Continue reading Year 4, Day 94: A Bluey Appreciation Post
Year 4, Day 92
Tonight, as we were winding things down for the evening: From the staircase, I called, "C'mon, buddy! It's time to get ready for bed!" Miles was silent and motionless in front of the television, sucking down some juice. "Hey," I said, a bit less playfully, "I'm looking at YOU." Miles pulled the cup away from … Continue reading Year 4, Day 92
Year 3, Day 217
If you're a regular visitor, you've likely noticed that I've spent some time complaining about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, a children's program Disney produced in the previous decade that looks like a crude animatic and often has plot lines that are absurd to the point that potentially useful messages are muddied in problem solving that has … Continue reading Year 3, Day 217
Year 3, Day 211
The other night during our usual nightly Jeopardy!/Wheel of Fortune block of TV viewing, Miles was suddenly drawn to a commercial. Miles typically shows disdain for ads, turning to us and saying, "Uh-oh...commercial!" as though there was something we could do about it (oh, to be a modern child immersed in streaming services). But this … Continue reading Year 3, Day 211
The Perils (& Pride) of Paternity 