The next chapter!

    As I sit down to write this post, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Yesterday marked the end of one chapter in my life and the beginning of a new one. After spending several years working at a bank, I decided it was time to leave and focus on what really matters to me - my family.

    It's not an easy decision, but it's one that I've been thinking about for a long time. The corporate world can be soul-sucking, and while I enjoyed my time at the bank and learned a lot about finance and corporate structure, the pay didn't match the amount of work I was doing. The cost of Daycare outpaced what I would earn. When that happens it just makes sense to spend the time with the kids instead of time barely making any money away from them. I am excited to spend more time with my kids and give my wife more flexibility with her free time. Being able to support my family and give everyone an amazing life; that's where my decision to become a stay-at-home dad comes in.

    As a father of two young kids, I've always wanted to be more present in their lives. However, with the demands of my job, I was spending nearly 50 hours a week away from home. %0 hours a week not getting to see the kids that I love so much. I would have them for an hour in the morning and barely two in the evening. The thought that most kids with two working parents barely get to see their parents breaks my heart. The care system in the states is broken, and it has really opened my eyes to how difficult it is to truly enjoy our lives when we are so beholden to the massive work week that eats our time. With all that in mind I took the leap and decided to quit my job to become a full-time dad. It's a scary decision, but I know it's the right one for me and my family.

    Of course, there are challenges that come with this decision. There will be days when I miss the structure and routine of a traditional job, or days when the kids are especially challenging. The loss of a set income will be one of the hardest but we plan to offset that with gig work and rideshare services. But I'm ready to face those challenges head-on, knowing that the rewards of being there for my family are well worth it. I also am not taking for granted one second that this is a blessing. Not many people in their 30's have an opportunity for someone to stay predominantly at home.

    My other hope is that this gives me an opportunity to work more on my book. Stealing a moment or two to write while the kids are down will be amazing! I'm beyond excited to finish this project and at some point this year I just might! In this next chapter of my life, I'll be sharing my experiences and insights as a stay-at-home dad. I'll talk about the joys and struggles of raising young children, the lessons I learn along the way, and the ways in which I'm able to continue pursuing my passions while taking care of my family. these learning experiences will help me make more human characters as I meet and talk with other parents and learn more about a side of life that I've never experienced before. It's a lot of fun opportunities to find something fun on the way to the book!

Walk about

    If you're looking to get in shape, walking the dog can be a great way to do it. Not only does it benefit you, but it's also great for your furry friend. As someone who has been taking my dog for a long walk every night, I can attest to the benefits of this routine. Honestly the biggest takeaway is not just physical health but mental health. Having a few moment of quiet as you're just carrying on with a menial physical task, is amazing.

    Walking is a low-impact exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your cardiovascular health. Let's be honest everyone can use a bit a boost after Covid. For me getting up and walking is also a big deal because my job is currently pretty sedentary. Walking is a great way to relieve stress and clear your mind after a long day. Taking the dog for a walk ensures that you get this physical activity in every day, without feeling like you're sacrificing time with your pet.

    Keeping a nightly schedule can be challenging. Right now that is what I have available to me. I don't love that I cant go to bed with my spouse every night. Prioritizing this event each night is strictly short term. In a few months I will be leaving my day job to stay at home and do gig work at night. When that switch happens I'm planning to switch to long morning walks instead. This way, I can start my day off on the right foot (or paw) and get my exercise in before the demands of the day take over. I have to get my health in check and I cant wait on that!

    When it comes to walking for exercise, it's important to set realistic goals for yourself. You don't have to start with a marathon-length walk – start small and gradually increase your distance and pace over time. You can also mix up your walking routine by taking different routes, exploring new neighborhoods, or adding some hills to your route for an added challenge. Personally one of the things that keeps me moving on my walks is Pokémon Go. I know its not as popular as it was, but I'm a nerd and I gotta catch em' all. Setting a timer in the game with incense so I make sure I'm moving for at least thirty straight minutes is big.

    Lastly walking the dog can also be a great way to connect with your pet and strengthen your bond. My pup is moving on in years. One of my main motivations for owning a home was to make sure she had a yard we could play fetch in. She's been such an important part of my life for so long I'm hoping these walks can show a little bit of love and appreciation to my girl. I know she loves it and I hope it gives not just me a few more years but her as well!

    Seriously people, walking the dog is a great way to get in shape and spend quality time with your furry friend. By setting realistic goals and finding a routine that works for you, you can enjoy the benefits of this simple yet effective form of exercise. Whether you prefer a morning or evening routine, make sure to prioritize your health and your pet's health, and enjoy the journey together. Getting a bit more fit will help all of us stay around a bit longer. Keeping going forward everyone!

Here’s your sign to take some time

    Being a parent is so rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming at times. A lot of parents find it hard to make time for themselves and it's understandable; care for our children overrides pretty much all else. Self care is is so important to keeping yourself sane and straight. It really is so important to take care of yourself as a parent, so that you can be there for your children and partner. This is a call to action that you deserve some time for you!

    One of the best ways to do this is to find a hobby that helps you recharge your batteries. I'm lucky in that cooking for my family is one of them, but not everyone get lucky with a chore being something that brings them joy. Whether it's reading, painting, hiking, or playing an instrument, having a hobby that you enjoy can be a great way to take a break from the demands of parenting and recharge your energy. It's important to schedule time for your hobby, just like you would schedule any other appointment. This could be a few hours a week, or even just 30 minutes a day. Exercise is always a great choice because of both health benefits, and the feel good endorphins it releases. Not every one wants to work their muscles as a form of relaxation though, sometimes you want to complete space out! My wife enjoys the chance to hang out with her friends or catch up on a tv show. I Personally enjoy video games and reading. It's also important to make sure that your partner gets alone time as well. Making sure they have a chance to pursue their own hobbies, spend time with friends, or simply relax and recharge.

    When it comes to finding a hobby, it's important to choose something that you're passionate about and that brings you joy. This could be something you've always loved, or something new that you've been curious about trying. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things until you find something that really resonates with you. A lot of people in the writing and creative sector tend to leap from activity to activity. Trying new things can be a hobby of it's own! Sampling a little bit of all that life has to offer can broaden and give you countless stories to tell and enjoy. I like exploring new hobbies from leatherworking to glass blowing, to simply see how things are made. It makes me a more rounded person and helps a lot with my writing.

    Writing is another huge fun way to recharge. Taking a moment to add a few more lines to my book is always a blast. Journaling like this is just another form of writing. It can be therapeutic and cathartic to let out your feelings in to book that wont judge or respond to you in a way that brings more stress. Writing is also probably one of the cheapest hobbies one can indulge in. So if you're looking for a quick ten minute task to really get going, I suggest writing!    

    Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it's essential for being the best parent and partner you can be. So, make sure to prioritize your own well-being and encourage your partner to do the same. By taking the time for yourself and supporting each other, you can create a happy and healthy family life. Make a plan to take turns watching the kids, so that each of you has the opportunity to take a break. Solo time can make or break someone's week.    

Weight for it...

    As a dad, I know how easy it is to let our health take a backseat while taking care of our families. However, I've realized that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of our loved ones. That's why I've decided to start a diet and exercise plan to improve my health and reach my goal weight. I want to be around for my family for a long time, and improving my health is the way to do it.

    My main priority is to stick to a set number of calories each day and get a few workouts in each week. I'm starting slow with simple free weight exercises, walking the dog, and using a stationary bike. The monthly core plan is to start with ten reps of simple exercises like push ups, sit ups, and jumping jacks. Every day I add one rep until I end the month with around 40ish of each. At the start of the next month I drop back down to ten but add a new exercise. Turning it in to a game is going to be the way to keep it interesting and on course. Losing focus and bored of routine is what derails a lot of parents. Simply establishing the routine in the first place is hard. If you like maybe you can do it with me!

    The diet plan is not a specific diet like Keto or Paleo, but one that focuses on calorie deficits. I downloaded a tracker to help me on pace with calories and water intake. It's honestly surprising how many calories you can consume when you're not planning a meal properly! I'll be making sure that my meals are focused on having less carbs, more fiber and avoiding sugary snacks in-between. One of my biggest challenges will be snacking, especially with my toddler who needs to eat regularly throughout the day. However, I'm determined to practice self-control and make sure I'm not joining in on snack time with him. This is also putting me in a position where i am making sure all the snacks we are having are not only healthy for me but also healthy for my family! Fruits and nuts are a lot healthier than chips and candy!

    My goal is to lose two pounds a week until I reach my target weight of 215 pounds. I've tried losing weight before and the only true blue method that has worked for me is tracking calories and creating a deficit. Sticking to the diet will keep me plateaued, the workouts will lose me weight. If I stick to my plan, I should be able to achieve my goal by the beginning of August. And that's perfect timing because my wife and I will be attending Taylor Swift's concert in LA. I'm calling this my weight loss era, and I'm excited to see the results.

    Combining this weight loss regime with writing my book will be a challenge, but it's a challenge that I'm willing to take on. I know that improving my health and reaching my goals will be worth the effort. It's important to prioritize our health and well-being so that we can be the best versions of ourselves for our families. I hope that my journey can inspire other dads out there to take care of themselves too. A lot of things happen when you're on a weight loss journey. Maybe we'll find something fun to add to the book?

Food for thought!

    Fatherhood comes with many responsibilities, and one of the most important ones is ensuring that our families are well-nourished. As a dad, I take pride in preparing healthy meals for my two sons and my wife. However, this can be a challenge, especially when my wife isn't a big fan of vegetables!

    To solve this problem, I have come up with a simple solution. I prepare the veggies in a separate pan so that I can eat them, and my wife doesn't have to. This way, she can still enjoy the main meal without feeling like she's missing out on anything. For the most part it is just leaving out veggies but every now and again shell try something new! It's all about respecting her boundaries when it comes to meals.

    When it comes to feeding my sons, it's a bit different. My toddler eats whatever we have, but in smaller portions. I try to make sure that every meal includes a variety of vegetables, proteins, and carbs. I also try to limit processed foods and sugary drinks, as these can have some negative impacts. With kids however a lot of the easy snacks are processed. Looking at labels is important knowing what is in there. Feeding the baby is the easiest part of mealtime. He's still on milk, so I don't have to worry about preparing anything special for him. All props to my wife though because she is the one busting her ass to make milk for the little one!

    Making healthy meals for my family is not always easy, but it's something that I'm passionate about. I believe that good nutrition is essential for our overall health and well-being, and it's important to start instilling healthy habits in our children from a young age. I've spent several years not eating healthy and its led to some health issues. I don't want that for my boys and I want to set them up with habits for success early.

    I also understand that not everyone enjoys the same foods, and that's okay. Finding ways to compromise and accommodate everyone's preferences is key. It's also important to remember that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or tasteless. There are plenty of delicious and nutritious recipes out there that the whole family can enjoy. And if you're not in the mood for something super healthy take out is always on the table!

    One of the fun things when learning new recipes is learning about the culture or history they come from. One day I hope to share this with my boys as they help me make meals. For now I'll just jabber with the toddler and hope he learns a word or two! This connection with history and food has been an important part about writing for me. It is adding flavor (pun intended) to the book and really helping to flesh it out. One of the things that makes a world feel fleshed out are the little bits of culture like food and music.

    Being a Dad means taking on many responsibilities, including providing healthy meals for our families. It can be a challenge, especially when dealing with picky eaters, but finding ways to compromise and accommodate everyone's preferences is essential. By prioritizing good nutrition, we can help our families thrive and live healthier, happier lives. I personally know that food is the ultimate binder of families and people. I will keep doing my best to use it to create great memories for my family, and also to flesh out my book! If I find a fun recipe ill talk about it some! Who knows it might even be something funny on the way to the book.