Home of Brad Willis: writer, traveler, and suburban warrior
Norman Rockwell was an idealist, or he lived in a time before hyper-consumerism and ease of travel made the holidays one giant reason to drink. Sweating, honking, cursing people fill the streets and malls...
My kid cannot keep a secret. I don’t think he even tries. Despite being an exceptionally intelligent child, I’m not sure he grasps the idea of confidence. To him, secrecy means you tell somebody...
(Florida) — The boy was supposed to be napping. He was a sweaty, tired mess. The morning began with meeting a beach Santa in a torrential downpour. When the skies cleared, he led us...
(Florida) — We found a joint with some character today and went for some po’ boys. The place was packed and played the Beatles. I dug it, including the part where the menu was...
A popping pile of fried pork, beef, steak, a shrimp sat on a sizzle plate in front of me. The bowl of half-eaten guacamole had filled me up before dinner arrived. The boy squirmed...
I am convinced birthday parties for children are part of a Chinese conspiracy. I spent two hours yesterday inside a giant warehouse filled with inflatable jumping platforms and slides. It was a bit like...
Around these parts, an Obama bumper sticker will get you a funny look and your car keyed. I saw one today when I picked up my kid from his 4K program. It’s like seeing...
I knew my kid was going to be difficult when he ordered a hamburger at a Mexican restaurant. I further knew he was going to be difficult when he insisted on going to the...
My kid loves animals. I could buy him the most expensive toys in the world and he would set them aside to play with his over-large collection of Sclheich wildlife figurines. The concept of...
My kid is turning four years old this week. The bands have all been hired, the beer truck’s parking space is marked with orange cones, and the bikini-clad ring girls are auditioning today. The...
My wife walked in the door. I said what I normally say before getting up from my comfortable chair. “Hey, baby. You need any help?” She’s always carrying something. Groceries. A sleeping kid. The...
There used to be a day when I didn’t have very much money. By that, I mean if there was any money left over after paying bills and eating, it was usually enough to...
What kind of father am I? With just a couple of days before I leave for a three-weak run in Vegas, I should be teaching my son how to build a house, or at...