A few years back, I received the coolest surprise in the mail.  My folks were cleaning out some old things and found the a newspaper bag that I had long ago used to deliver the Battle Creek Enquirer newspaper around town.

Well, after a trip to the tailor for repairs, that bag has faithfully served me for years as a beach bag and most recently as a gym bag.

This afternoon, I had a quick lunchtime run at the gym.  As I was getting dressed and preparing to return to work, the fella next to me in the (very small) locker room looked at the “Battle Creek Enquirer” design on the bag and asked, “Is that from Battle Creek, Michigan?”

I proudly responded with a smile, “Yes, I grew up there.  That was the newspaper bag that I used, when I was a kid.”

Considering my story, he responded, “That bag sure is old.”

Yes, it is and I guess by association, I am too.

You know what though, buddy?  That bag may be old, but it has had quite a second run at life.  We should all be so lucky.

Don’t worry, old friend.  I’m thinking that we both have plenty of miles and new beginnings left in the tank.

There are days when you go to the gym.

Then there are days when you get home and realize that you spent the entire day with your gym membership card in your shoe.

I’m sure I burned some calories .as the gym card’s workout vibes rubbed off on my sock.

Plus, now my gym card smells like an authentic locker room.

Moving around a lot has some real obvious benefits.  You get to see many new places.  Experience plenty of adventures.  Meet amazing people.  Join and become a part of wonderful communities.  Plus, you get another place to call home.  Places where you leave part of yourself and in turn, the new home enriches you and takes your life in new directions that you never expect.

Lastly, you get a chance to return and visit those old “homes.” See familiar faces that always welcome you back.  See friends that joined you in the adventure.  See family that watched you grow.

Being a nomad certainly has some downsides, as you sometimes appear to drift in the wind, but oh what a wonderful feeling it is to pause and reflect on all the treasured places where that wind carried you.

Happy Birthday to my amazing sister Kathy, who always welcomes me back home.

I am not a good dancer.  I realize this.  It’s okay.  My dancing does not bring joy to others and as a result, I shall give them the gift of no dance from me.

Case in point, I once danced the Electric Slide at a work event.  I was so bad that others were left wondering if I desperately wanted to keep my job or desperately wanted to get fired.  Hard to tell, but it was bad.

Well, on some occasions (weddings and the like) some dancing is appropriate.  That’s when my “one dance” philosophy kicks in.  I shall dance once, people will realize that I should not dance, and all will be happy with just the one.

By the way, what does it look like when I dance? A friend put it best, “Steve Martin.” Yep, sort of a hopping and hands flailing sort of thing.  Dangerous for all around me.  Plus, I throw in sort of a self spanking move.  Nice.

One dance?  Only one dance?  Yep, that’s just about right.

Just what you need, the “Dave Emoji” :0)

Everything you need in an emoji, now Dave style.

Smiling?  Use the Dave emoji  :0)

Pleased with your big nose?  Use the Dave emoji  :0)

Tired of all those “high tech, non-text based” emojis?  Use the Dave emoji  :0)

Feeling like a clown? Use the Dave emoji  :0)

Not a care in the world (highlighted by the “zero” nose)?  Use the Dave emoji  :0)

Happy just to be?  Dave emoji  :0)

When confronted with the choice of either sticking to your diet or going out with your friends on a food eating challenge, I say, “You can have it all!”

Exhibit A – The Sweet 16 (scoops) Ice Cream Eating Challenge

No problem!  Just eat your share and nothing else for several days.  Problem solved.

Ice Cream Immortality.  Check.

Diet Compliance.  Check.

Not Setting a Very Good Example, but Still Checking All of the Boxes.  Check.

Now that’s dieting, gluttony style.

A few times last year, I pulled into the school parking lot only to hear from the backseat, “I forgot my backpack.”  Drive home.  Get backpack.  Late for work.  Repeat.  Grumpy dad.  Ugh.

Then for the first time this year, I heard it again.  Soft.  Sad.  Embarrassed.  “I forgot my backpack.”

Well, my plan for tomorrow and every day forward…

The backseat reminder (a.k.a. “Dad Solution, Sharpie Style”).

One disadvantage of a diet:  smaller lunches.

Another disadvantage:  crowded work meetings, as my very vocal stomach decided to sit in on the 4 o’clock.

One quick example…

“Grumble!”

“Excuse me, I believe Dave’s shirt had something to add to the conversation.”

“Grumble!  Rumble!”

“Well, we may be able to look into the ‘grumble and rumble’ sometime down the road, but for today’s meeting, let’s stick to the agenda.”

My big focus this morning was what type of yogurt to pack for lunch.  Kids were running about here and there, while getting ready for school.  Me?  I needed to choose my yogurt wisely.  Our fridge has a great selection.

Finally, selecting “Mixed Berry,” I was happy to find that most everyone was ready for the trip to school.  Two children were in the car and I could have sworn that I heard the other one say, “I’m going to go to the bathroom first.”

I stood in the kitchen and I waited.

Tick, tock.

The dog looked at me and I waited.

Tick, tick.

I considered another cup of coffee and I waited.

Tick, tock.

I felt the need for a late morning nap and I waited.

Tick, tock.

What was taking my child so long in the bathroom?

I decided to busy myself and load something into the car.

Opening the garage door, I soon realized that my son was actually out of the bathroom and his mom had taken him to school.

Ugh, best not to be too distracted by an overwhelming yogurt selection in the A.M.

Tick, tock.

I hustled toward the car and as I hurried into the driver’s seat…  Bam!  My head smacked into the top of the car.  On the brightside, maybe that will knock some sense into me and help me keep track of what family members have actually left the house.  Good thing “mixed berry” yogurt supposedly cleanses your inner being of stupidity.  Bet you didn’t know.  Also, I bet you didn’t know that prolonged contemplation of yogurt can be hazardous to your health.  Now, you know.  Pick wisely (and quickly).