The Brokini, Running With Strollers, and The Best Computer For Kids
“When you’re a dad, there’s no one above you. If I don’t do something that has to be done, who is going to do it?” –Jonathan Safran Foer
Just when you thought 2020 could not get any stranger…
2020 has been a wild ride, to say the least, lets look back at a timeline
January: Wildfires engulf Australia
March: Coronavirus hits the entire world resulting in virtual school, unemployment, and the new fashion statement, masks
April: Murder Hornets
Late May: Protests rage across the country
Now, what could August possibly bring us? The Brokini.... Yes, you read that correct, a men’s bikini. Thanks to self-proclaimed "bros" Chad Sasko & Taylor Fields (ironic his name is chad) college frat kids around the country will most likely be sporting brokinis whenever the opportunity arises.
Call me old, but if there is one combination that will help ruin your chances of landing that post-college job you have worked ever so hard for, it is TikTok, Brokinis, and alcohol. Let us all pray this idea does not become a trend.
Dad Joke of The Week
Are your kid’s brains melting away in the youtube world?
Unless you are the Gandhi of parenting and virtual school teaching, your kids like mine have taken screen time to a never before seen level since the initial quarantine took place. If it is true that too much screen time hinders the development of white matter in the brain of children, then its safe to say to assume white matter development came to a halt in March of 2020 globally. There may be hope though, just maybe.
Kano PC | Next-generation computing | Kano.me
Affordable, beautiful, and modular. Perfect for learning. Powered by Windows 10.
I recently came across the newest model of the KanoKids Computer which appears to be a fantastic alternative to other mindless applications your child may be hooked on. Although I have no experience with this model of the Kano Computer, we do own the original model which my children found entertaining and useful for the initial learning of programming. This newer model sporting a price tag of 350ish dollars resembles a laptop, comes with programming games, Minecraft, and Microsoft office suite. Atleast with this their computer addiction may result in income one day...
If we do decide to pick this new model up I will be sure to include a full write up on it in the future.
Having trouble finding the time to run with now that your children are seemingly always home?
"Where the sidewalk ends, the adventure begins"
For most people just getting out to run is hard enough as it is. The last thing you want to do is get up at 430 a.m to sneak your run in before the family is awake. Trust me when I say it sucks, especially when its during an east coast winter.
If you are now faced with the issue of having even less time than before to exercise, and you have children that are under the age of say, 7, you need to seriously consider a running stroller.
The downside is that a good running stroller will set you back $300-$500 USD. You can however find them in reasonably great condition on Craigslist since like gym memberships, a large amount of people buy them, use them once, then store them in the garage.
Over the last 9 years and 3 children, I have put over a thousand miles on our two Bob Running strollers without ever having 1 mechanical issue aside from the occasional flat tire (usually from running on trails). I have tried using other brands and not one of them came close to The Bob. The best part about running with a stroller is that it sucks, and running with a double stroller sucks even worse, but once you put some miles in with a single or double stroller, solo runs feel even easier. It has always amazed me how much stronger my hamstrings and quads become when I start doing 2-4 of my weekly runs with a running stroller. Throw in a couple hills and speed work, and you are in business.
We have been running with our children since they were old enough to hold their head up on their own, and because of this all 3 of our children love running which has now become a family affair. Check it out, give it a chance, you won’t be let down.
Where The Sidewalk Ends The Adventure Begins. Family gear that’s as rugged as the places people take it. Jogging Strollers and Travel Systems for all of you who venture outside the ordinary, with your children by your side. Safe and sturdy, all-terrain BOB Gear single and double strollers are ready
BOB Gear
What I am listening to this week:
The Dad Strong Podcast: Terrence Mitchell - I have been following Terrence Mitchell on Instagram for quite a while now picking up nuggets of information on body weight, kettlebell, and all-around functional training. What really drew me to his content is his "600 rep life" content he started putting out. Check it out.
The knowledge Project: Bill Ackman - Per usual, this is another great episode out of The Knowledge Project covering a vast array of topics about life, family, and of course investing
Pre-Suasion audiobook: Robert Cialdini- I would attempt to summarize this book in two sentences, but it would not do it justice. Let’s just say if you have ever been curious about what drives people to make decisions, how to influence people, and how to deliver the message, you need to listen to this book.
Challenge Yourself Throughout September
If you are anything like me you have had moments in your life where you felt stagnant, anxious, or your mind is constantly running at full force of ideas with nowhere to let them out.
I came across this same issue earlier this year and it was bad. For a little background, I am a stay at home father of three. I have been home with the kids for around four years now leaving behind a career in surgical medical sales. Although I am thoroughly grateful for the opportunity to be at home with my kids and help guide them through life, or at least try not to kill them I still run into periods of time where my extroverted, obsessive, need to accomplish things side of me gets the best of me. I start losing my mind slowly not having the outlet to get my thoughts out of my head or finding new goals to accomplish.
This is when I discovered the art of flow journaling. Each morning when you wake up, go straight to your notebook, computer, or stone tablet with a chisel (whatever floats your boat, who am I to judge), and write for 10 minutes. Write everything that comes to your mind without thinking about it. Do not plan it out, do not worry about grammar, or spelling. This is your chance not to worry about grammar nazis.
You will be surprised by how much less your brain runs throughout the day, how less anxious you are, and how many great ideas you may even find falling onto the page as you write. This helped me become a better husband, father and helped exercise my creative brain more than I ever thought possible. I challenge you to do this each and every morning throughout the month of September. I will be doing this as well since I have recently fallen off the boat with this and need to get back on.
Need a good note app? Try these:
Once again, thanks for stopping by and make sure to forward this to a friend!