me: 7/28/16–

8:34, the day starts, having trouble waking up after sleeping in, little Kerouac waking me at around 7:12 and me thinking ‘oh shit!’, shooting out of bed to brush teeth and get cloths to wear, change carseats’ positioning, put coolant in Passat (enough to get Alice to car appointment where that flange or gauge or manipulator is to be changed — hate cars and car parts, I don’t know what the hell it’s called). All you parents are aware of mornings like this, and that they happen every-so-frequent, but you make it through them. A day when you look forward to getting to work where the bustle can’t touch you, where that car that’s in the shop can’t stare you down, where you don’t hear that little alert come on in the car, telling you ‘take care of it, already!’

I sharply know what kind of day it’s set to be — productive, forwarding, enriching (no, that sounds trite)… Successful. Get closer to what I want, the story and how I want it to develop with travel… Just a papa wanting the best for himself so he can provide more than what’s expected to be provided for wife and babies. I won’t lie, reading ‘Glass Castle’ has me scared, or maybe not scared but motivated with intention and a certain creative venom so my children never have to experience anything close to that. I mean, where Alice and I are now in life, both geographically and professionally, they never will, but I want to get them even further away from that. I want to improve the encouraging story we already have. Yes, the day has more than lifted off, it’s flying above me and with such smiling disposition and delightful tempo that I can only be encouraged.

Still thinking of yesterday, the day at the fair with my little beat, chasing him around the animal area then going to get that ice cream, going back and forth from that barbecue booth for napkins. But time has reminded me it’s not forever, I’m back here at work where I need to further build the day and take notes on everything, “Further, further, further,” I say to myself. Think I may finally be awake. ‘Nother sip of coffee, that should do it. What would we parentals do without coffee? And if you’re reading this and you don’t drink coffee or one of those jolting teas, seriously — HOW DO YOU DO IT?

Quiet instantly in the office, and I’m thinking of what else I can do today to get closer to something extraordinary for us… Like what? Not sure I’ve decided yet, just something to make our lives, the kids’ lives and stories, even more enjoyable and joyful than they already are. Just have to keep writing, keep reflecting, keep sharing ideas. Thinking about the car, and how we need a new one, but I need writings to sell. Okay, so sell some writing then. Huh… Knew it was that simple but never heard myself say it like that. Interesting. I taught myself something. Or the morning did. Or the kids did. The day did. Something did.

(For more of my writings, on being a parent and a writing father, and other positive content and storytelling, visit me at bottledaux.com! Merci!!!)