@aijacobson.bsky.social
How swimming laps is my most consistenty inconsistent and authentically inauthentic form of exercise. tinyurl.com/226r826r
Staying In My Lane
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger “Wow, it’s the biggest cliché,” I thought to myself. “Just like riding a bike.” Except I wasn’t on a bike. I had just started…
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November 30, 2025 at 10:26 PM
How swimming laps is my most consistenty inconsistent and authentically inauthentic form of exercise. tinyurl.com/226r826r
Why fortune, flexibility and fragility are guiding my Thanksgiving Holiday mindset. tinyurl.com/y3zdb56t
F This
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger Thanksgiving for me has always been about traditions and this year, I’m honoring them, but in a different type of way. On the…
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November 28, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Why fortune, flexibility and fragility are guiding my Thanksgiving Holiday mindset. tinyurl.com/y3zdb56t
From Hors d'oeuvres to the main dishes, why Thanksgiving misses say as much, if not more about our loved ones, as the hits. tinyurl.com/73cheu5m
Nibbling Around the Edges
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger I have cheese and crackers on my brain right now. Yesterday, my wife Wendy and I had an impromptu FaceTime session with our d…
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November 23, 2025 at 5:19 PM
From Hors d'oeuvres to the main dishes, why Thanksgiving misses say as much, if not more about our loved ones, as the hits. tinyurl.com/73cheu5m
We could all use a good count-in, whether we realize it or not. And I believe a nonsensical but enduring phrase from one of my favorite albums - “Gunter, Glieben, Glautoen, Globen,” might do the trick. Thanks @cmolanphy.bsky.social for the inspiration. tinyurl.com/y8ud46an
Something From Nothing
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger “All right; all right,” I’ll mumble to myself a few times each week. I don’t add an extra “all right” in a cool Matthew McCon…
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November 22, 2025 at 10:50 PM
We could all use a good count-in, whether we realize it or not. And I believe a nonsensical but enduring phrase from one of my favorite albums - “Gunter, Glieben, Glautoen, Globen,” might do the trick. Thanks @cmolanphy.bsky.social for the inspiration. tinyurl.com/y8ud46an
How I let anger literally cloud my vision. tinyurl.com/2vtyu65h
I Can See Clearly Now, the Rage is Gone
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. Throughout my entire life, I’ve had an even keeled personality. I fortunately don’t get angry often. But every blue moon som…
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November 15, 2025 at 11:14 PM
How I let anger literally cloud my vision. tinyurl.com/2vtyu65h
I find raking leaves can be a physically humbling but ultimately, cathartic experience. It reminds us to let go of what was and focus on what’s next. tinyurl.com/yfhfruws
Oh, My Aching Past
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger I spent the afternoon of November 6, 2004, raking. It was my wife Wendy’s birthday and she remained inside, uncomfortable, no…
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November 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
I find raking leaves can be a physically humbling but ultimately, cathartic experience. It reminds us to let go of what was and focus on what’s next. tinyurl.com/yfhfruws
How a 2005 album by the Pat Metheny Group became my go-to soundtrack when I’m seeking perspective. And a reminder that things, seemingly from out of nowhere, will start looking and feeling better. tinyurl.com/422pcybk
November 8, 2025 at 5:54 PM
How a 2005 album by the Pat Metheny Group became my go-to soundtrack when I’m seeking perspective. And a reminder that things, seemingly from out of nowhere, will start looking and feeling better. tinyurl.com/422pcybk
The Bruce Spingsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere serves as a reminder that authenticity and courage will always ensure. And to hold on tightly to the people you trust. tinyurl.com/3n3ss2xs
Nowhere Man
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger Last night my wife and I joined friends to see Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere in the theater and I came away impressed.…
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November 2, 2025 at 10:33 PM
The Bruce Spingsteen biopic Deliver Me from Nowhere serves as a reminder that authenticity and courage will always ensure. And to hold on tightly to the people you trust. tinyurl.com/3n3ss2xs
How having a well-defined spidey sense is helpful. Until it isn't. tinyurl.com/cehvjna7
Doing Whatever a Spider Can
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. I was having coffee with a longtime friend a few years ago. We caught up on family milestones and then began sharing some of…
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November 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
How having a well-defined spidey sense is helpful. Until it isn't. tinyurl.com/cehvjna7
How reading a big, nerdy book each October aligns with my idealized version of Autumn. tinyurl.com/bd6j5v5b
It’s the Tome of the Season
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. I’ve been an avid reader my whole life and from the time I was younger, struggled with the twin genres of Science Fiction an…
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October 26, 2025 at 7:11 PM
How reading a big, nerdy book each October aligns with my idealized version of Autumn. tinyurl.com/bd6j5v5b
Telling people my favorite candy – Almond Joys, Good & Plenty and DOTS to name a few, elicits a visceral, almost angry reaction, especially this time of year. And I can’t lie; this make me more than a little happy. tinyurl.com/3t3mma3s
Joy, of the Almond Variety
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. A friend of mine and I were texting each other a couple of years back. She referenced a Halloween party she would be attendi…
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October 25, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Telling people my favorite candy – Almond Joys, Good & Plenty and DOTS to name a few, elicits a visceral, almost angry reaction, especially this time of year. And I can’t lie; this make me more than a little happy. tinyurl.com/3t3mma3s
There’s much talk of institutions recently, and much of it isn’t good. That’s why it’s so gratifying to visit thriving, purposeful institutions like YMCAs and public libraries while traveling. tinyurl.com/ycxyea6p
Run, Shush, Repeat
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. My wife Wendy and I are nearing the end of an initial digital nomad run that has taken us to Evanston, Illinois and Grand Ha…
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October 22, 2025 at 8:51 PM
There’s much talk of institutions recently, and much of it isn’t good. That’s why it’s so gratifying to visit thriving, purposeful institutions like YMCAs and public libraries while traveling. tinyurl.com/ycxyea6p
On embracing travel, learning and new experiences during our first MEA weekend (IYKYK) as empty nesters. tinyurl.com/3mdm4cbm
Hey Teacher, Leave Those Parents Alone
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. Autumn is my favorite season and for me it’s one of milestones; some I partake in; others I don’t. Apple picking, hayrides, …
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October 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
On embracing travel, learning and new experiences during our first MEA weekend (IYKYK) as empty nesters. tinyurl.com/3mdm4cbm
How my abortive Snapchat experience coincided with relishing in much needed person-to-person contact. shorturl.at/VHdbD
Audio Killed the Video Star
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. It seems like ages ago, but it was only seven weeks back. Our family was hanging out in our St. Louis Airbnb nearby WashU, w…
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October 5, 2025 at 7:19 PM
How my abortive Snapchat experience coincided with relishing in much needed person-to-person contact. shorturl.at/VHdbD
To borrow an expression I picked up from our kids, I budged someone I care about recently, hurting them in the process. I did it knowingly, shushing the inner voice in head despite hating being shushed myself. And I hope you can learn from my experience. tinyurl.com/3y5xt39u
This One Goes Out to the One I Budged
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. Our kids would use the expression “budge” quite a bit when they were younger as in so-and-so budged in line. I hadn’t heard …
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October 4, 2025 at 4:55 PM
To borrow an expression I picked up from our kids, I budged someone I care about recently, hurting them in the process. I did it knowingly, shushing the inner voice in head despite hating being shushed myself. And I hope you can learn from my experience. tinyurl.com/3y5xt39u
How my own failed attempts at Rosh Hashanah brisket and enjoying an incredible restaurant-prepared execution in St. Louis have given me newfound insight into appreciating the present while anticipating the future. tinyurl.com/5n6swr4a
Tough and Stringy and Lovely All Over
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. “Don’t take this the wrong way, Andy,” my wife Wendy said to me last night at dinner. “But I wish your brisket tasted like t…
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September 28, 2025 at 7:16 PM
How my own failed attempts at Rosh Hashanah brisket and enjoying an incredible restaurant-prepared execution in St. Louis have given me newfound insight into appreciating the present while anticipating the future. tinyurl.com/5n6swr4a
How following our daughter’s music recommendations has helped me expand my boundaries and connect with her from a distance. tinyurl.com/35eh6vya
Exile in Girlville
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. Within the last few years, as my wife Wendy and I approached the impending empty nest stage of our lives, I started saying “…
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September 20, 2025 at 4:30 PM
How following our daughter’s music recommendations has helped me expand my boundaries and connect with her from a distance. tinyurl.com/35eh6vya
How a forgotten bag of Jolly Ranchers reminded me that, as corny as it might sound, showing someone you care about them is the best gift you can offer. tinyurl.com/4thvwmhe
A Jolly Good Reminder
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. “I still have the bag of Jolly Ranchers you got me!” the barista at my favorite coffee shop shouted to me as a greeting earl…
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September 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
How a forgotten bag of Jolly Ranchers reminded me that, as corny as it might sound, showing someone you care about them is the best gift you can offer. tinyurl.com/4thvwmhe
Why I'm so jealous of the pumpkin spice latte I imagine you enjoying. tinyurl.com/52xhw5cp
Pumpkin Spice Envy
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. If you’re reading this post and are one of those people excited that your preferred coffee shop carries pumpkin spice-flavor…
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September 8, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Why I'm so jealous of the pumpkin spice latte I imagine you enjoying. tinyurl.com/52xhw5cp
My overactive imagination tried convincing me the new Apple TV+ series Stick was terrible before I watched a single episode. And boy am I glad my overactive imagination failed me - at least this time. tinyurl.com/a9mtyb6b
Stick Figures
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. I’ve had an overactive imagination my entire life and honestly, it’s both a blessing and curse. Several months back, I recal…
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September 6, 2025 at 8:23 PM
My overactive imagination tried convincing me the new Apple TV+ series Stick was terrible before I watched a single episode. And boy am I glad my overactive imagination failed me - at least this time. tinyurl.com/a9mtyb6b
As a recovering pack rat, it was hard parting with my summer camp laundry bag. But the small gesture helped me gain needed clarity on a new life stage. tinyurl.com/3jpau5uu
Airing Laundry
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. My wife Wendy and I are recent empty nesters – not quite two weeks in. And we’re already exhibiting some expected behavior; …
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August 30, 2025 at 8:16 PM
As a recovering pack rat, it was hard parting with my summer camp laundry bag. But the small gesture helped me gain needed clarity on a new life stage. tinyurl.com/3jpau5uu
How a missing AirPod has given me newfound insight and empathy for what we can tolerate. tinyurl.com/4c742s3k
Lend Me Your Ear
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. I’ve never had good luck with headphones despite using them for as long as I can remember. First with a Walkman, then iPod, …
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August 27, 2025 at 1:05 PM
How a missing AirPod has given me newfound insight and empathy for what we can tolerate. tinyurl.com/4c742s3k
The Minnesota State Fair is upon us, and few events make me feel more at home in my adopted state. And truly embody how the idea of experiencing something can be exponentially better than actually experiencing it. tinyurl.com/45cjn5bx
That’s The Idea
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. The Minnesota State Fair is now upon us. It’s the unofficial end of summer and a huge cultural milestone. And I have some en…
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August 24, 2025 at 8:57 PM
The Minnesota State Fair is upon us, and few events make me feel more at home in my adopted state. And truly embody how the idea of experiencing something can be exponentially better than actually experiencing it. tinyurl.com/45cjn5bx
My Hip Hop knowledge is limited. Yet a song from one of the genre's signature albums has played a large role in the bond between our son and me. tinyurl.com/bdeszrx5
My Big Boi and Me
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. “Can I Aux?” has become a common question in our household, always asked by our son Ethan, 20 or daughter Sasha, 18, when th…
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August 23, 2025 at 5:40 PM
My Hip Hop knowledge is limited. Yet a song from one of the genre's signature albums has played a large role in the bond between our son and me. tinyurl.com/bdeszrx5
For the past two years, I’ve been advising parents whose first child is starting their college journey to let it be weird for a while when dealing with their absence. Now, with our youngest heading off to college, it’s time I started listening to my advice. tinyurl.com/4ftb5m2d
Owning Weird
Editorial note: Opinions expressed here are solely those of the blogger. I feel a bit out of sorts as I write this post. For starters, it’s Thursday and feels like a Friday but it goes deeper than …
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August 15, 2025 at 1:32 AM
For the past two years, I’ve been advising parents whose first child is starting their college journey to let it be weird for a while when dealing with their absence. Now, with our youngest heading off to college, it’s time I started listening to my advice. tinyurl.com/4ftb5m2d