Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

When did I get old?

Nine pm used to mean there were 4 more hours left to pack in every inch of an exciting life. Later on, 9 pm meant another 2 more hours in the day.  Now 9 pm means I’m late for my medication and need to get to bed as soon as I can. What the hell happened?

( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

Last night was one of the great days of summer, with the chance to lie on the grass and watch stars shooting overhead, as the Perseids come streaking through our atmosphere, heating up and burning themselves out in a flaming blaze of glory as they crash.  The Human Tape ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

So there we were, once again on the open road, driving into a cloudbank from hell. The rains that we drove through that Thursday in June killed 20 people, destroying homes and families alike. The weather is capricious - many people were devastated, while the biggest impact to ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

They all start like simple, innocent days, uncomplicated, routine.   And then BAM - your 13-yr-old is discussing her sexuality in the kitchen while you’re cooking, and you have to use your brain.  Parenting:  The most interesting roller coaster you’ll never get off of.  It’s ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

The Reigning Queen of Pink, Grand Duchess of Fluff, Lord High Protector of Barbies, and Baroness of the Hummingbirds just walked up to me this evening and announced that, quote, “Daddy, it wouldn’t surprise me if you were Bi.”

BUMD:  “Um, what?”
RQOP:  “You’re Bisexual.  Or at ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

Sixteen years ago, on this day, our lives were changed forever on the occurrence of the birth of the Human Tape Recorder.  Her life was changed just as much, in that she was born, which is, when you think about it, probably just as bizarre as having a baby.  We went from DINK ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

So there we were, at dinner, and to the surprise of no one at all, Number One Son says something that was, by any definition, highly inappropriate.  What it was, precisely, is not relevant to our story.

NOS:  [Highly inappropriate and disturbing remark]
BUMD:  ”Son, that’s not ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

So there we were, at dinner, and to the surprise of no one at all, Number One Son says something that is, by any definition, highly inappropriate.  What it was, precisely, is not relevant to our story.

NOS:  [Highly inappropriate and disturbing remark]
BUMD:  ”Son, that’s not ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

It took 14 years.  We really didn’t think it would happen.

Number One Son is downstairs, playing video games with his friend, who slept over last night.

When was the first time you had a friend come over and play?  Just swing by, hang out for a few hours?  You were, what?  ( Read more... )

Originally published at Big Ugly Man Doll. You can comment here or there.

Hey, yes, I know, it’s been forever.  Or at least, far too long.  As always, time gets away from me, and things get complicated.  In any event, this was worth sharing.

You might not be surprised to hear this, but I’m the kind of guy who walks around singing a lot.  This is ( Read more... )