Uncle
Memphis, TN 4:52 PM I have been called an uncle for over 4 years, but I truly became an uncle today. My youngest niece is about to be 3 and I was on babysitting watch with her for about three hours. The nap time was easy. Trying to feed her spaghetti and ravioli’s ended up losing out to Lucky Charms, but it was not too difficult. Playing in the tent and reading books, I can do that. But my initiation into unclehood came two thirds into my shift. Her mom was getting her hair done and her dad was at work. When she said she had to go to the potty, I was OK with that. But when one turned into...
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Little Rock, AR 11:22 AM First off, Happy Valentine’s Day. I am not a big fan of the marketer’s holiday, but when you get the chance to tell your special person they are special, that can’t be so bad. I just got back to home base, TA’s, after having a 2 1/2 hour breakfast with my college writing professor. Dr. A was the professor I wanted my parents to meet at graduation. We worked on a piece over a few semesters that really helped me evolve as a person. It dealt with the loss of my friend to suicide during my first semester of college. It took me a long time to get...
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Little Rock, AR 10:21 AM I normally don’t get nervous for a talk, but coming back to my alma mater makes this one a little different. I know a former professor will be there. So will the daughter of one of my interviewees. And a few of my friends may also show up. My guess is familiar faces will make it more energizing. Now I rehearse a little and get ready. The pants are ironed, the collared shirt chosen, and the sweater is flattened. Go time is 12:15. I will arrive early and soak up some of the campus. Here we go…
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Little Rock, AR 11:40 PM What a surreal feeling it was, driving down University Ave. like I did every day for class. Turning left down the hill into campus, slowly going down the one way to the stop sign and a left to the Kappa Sigma house. They have now paved the former gravel parking lot that I had to rake as a pledge. I left a note with my pin # so the car would still be there when I got back. The front door was locked, so I headed to the student center with my laptop bag and organizer. The homecoming queen signs were in the same spot as they used to be, of course with different names. A...
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Fayetteville, AR 10:45 PM Other than me pecking away at these keys, the house is asleep, that includes the cat and dog. This morning was bacon and pancakes and play time. I played blocks, a musical thing, and some Cinderella stuff. The adults watched a classic movie, the Big Lebowski. I love The Dude, man. This set the stage for a stop at the bowling alley. I shaved, showered, ate some incredible chicken and dumplings, and we were off. My bowling prowess has never been great. Well, I take that back. I won an event in one of the early grades, but once people started to grow bigger and stronger...
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