Observations on Being a Weekend Father, Creating New Memories and Figuring Life Out
This article was originally published 11 October 2006 as 'Save Space on Your Computer'. Tonight I have updated and republished for clarity. (The original article is now deleted to avoid confusion) Back in the mid-2000s, keeping a Windows computer running well meant regularly defragging the hard drive. It was just one of those maintenance jobs... Continue Reading →
If you previously read a similar post on my blog, this is the updated version replacing the original article that was first published in 2006 and has since been removed. When I first started exploring digital photography, I quickly discovered there was much more to creating a good image than simply pressing the shutter button.... Continue Reading →
I've reached an age where I spend more time reading about foods that are good for me than I do reading restaurant menus. Twenty years ago, I was more interested in whether a meal came with chips. These days, I'm standing in the supermarket wondering whether garlic improves circulation and if dark chocolate counts as... Continue Reading →
One of the stranger lessons I've learnt since separating my wife is simply this: Just because a marriage ends doesn't mean my responsibilities end with it. I don't mean financial obligations or legal arrangements. Those have their place. I'm talking about something less tangible. The wellbeing of our children and their mother still matters to... Continue Reading →
I am guessing nobody noticed... Yesterday afternoon I had just over 500 subscribers to this blog. After perusing a mere handful of them, I discovered them to be deceased blogs! I really shouldn't have been surprised: A lot of people switched from blogging to vlogging, podcasts, instagram and other more visual types of getting their... Continue Reading →
I've been using WordPress for nearly 20 years. During that time I've redesigned my own blog more times than I care to admit, tinkered with themes, broken the odd thing, fixed it again, and generally learned by doing. Even after all these years, I'd still be the first to admit I haven't explored every corner... Continue Reading →
When I was about ten years old, I quietly made a promise to myself that I never wanted to say goodbye to anyone ever again. At the time, it seemed like a sensible promise. Goodbyes hurt. They leave an empty space where someone used to be. So as a child I simply assumed that if... Continue Reading →
This thought hit me out of nowhere today: I don't need a partner anymore. Not in a bitter way. Not because I've given up on relationships. I simply realised I'm actually and genuinely okay. Life isn't perfect, yet I am going to be okay. A year ago, I wasn't sure I'd ever say that. After... Continue Reading →
Recently I stumbled across a word that stopped me mid-scroll – otrovert. It’s not in any proper psychology textbook as yet, and you won’t find it neatly defined in the Oxford. It seems to be one of those modern, internet-born labels. Yet the more I read, the more I thought, “Hang on… this might be... Continue Reading →
I’ve got a funny story to tell. Mostly it about recycling. Funny but practical. Recently I bought this leather round ottoman. Problem was, it didn’t come with any stuffing. The instruction pamphlet said you could fill it with beans, foam blocks, or 'material squares'. So I looked that up. Turns out, they mean cutting fabric... Continue Reading →
Over the last few months I have compiled an interesting and life-changing list of the many things in my life I SHOULD be, COULD be and WILL be thankful for: Things I should be thankful for: These are the solid, already-in-my-hands realities. The stuff that’s quietly doing the heavy lifting. I am alive, functional, and... Continue Reading →
I’ve never followed a god. Never felt the need to kneel or pray to something unseen. But I’ve always admired the quiet simplicity found in Buddhist teachings - not the ritual or the robes, just the way they live. There’s something deeply human about it. For me, spirituality isn’t about worship or belief. It’s about... Continue Reading →
Stephen Mitchell | Life Lessons, Creativity & Personal Growth 
[…] with XXY, and alone now, has taught me that my brain is wired differently to most – yet I…
[…] Living with XXY, and alone now, has taught me that my brain is wired differently to most – yet…