A Week of Work, Wander, and a Whole Lot of Orange
A week of meaningful connections, cultural celebrations, and the beginning of something personal and new.
This week? Oh, it was an interesting one — the kind of week that keeps life spicy.
The week before, I found out I’d need to be in the Minneapolis office on Friday. So on Tuesday, I packed up and flew out, knowing I’d be away from home — from Jasper, my partner, and the chaos of daily life — for a few days. But with my mother-in-law (a.k.a. The Boss) holding things down at home, I wasn’t too worried. She’s basically a one-woman village when it comes to childcare.
Minneapolis treated me well. I spent a couple of solid days connecting with my team, and honestly? It felt good. There’s just something energizing about being around people you work with, beyond the Teams meetings and chat threads. Wednesday night, we had a team dinner that turned out to be more than just food — we laughed, swapped stories, and had the kind of conversations that remind you your coworkers are actual people, not just floating avatars.
Was it worth it? Absolutely — even if the flight back was the kind of messy that makes you question your life choices. Still, I came back feeling grateful. Whether or not these trips become a monthly thing, I’m at peace with it either way.
Now, let’s talk about coming home.
Last time I came back from a trip — from Florida — Jasper nearly levitated out of his crib with excitement. This time? Let’s just say… the vibe was different. My wife had a quick office run that day, so I walked into a quiet house and straight into baby duty. Jasper gave me a look like, “You’re cool, Dad, but where’s Mom?” Eventually, he warmed up — but no question, Mom got the win that day.
Then came Saturday, and with it, a vibrant, soul-lifting cultural experience. We attended a local parade celebrating the founding of Sikhism. My partner and her family are Sikh — a religion rooted in India but open, inclusive, and deeply grounded in equality. While I’m not diving into theology here, it’s worth noting: Sikhism has this incredible welcoming spirit. No caste. No hierarchy. Just community and connection.
The parade, organized by a local Gurdwara (think church/temple with much better food), was a feast in every sense — tea that warmed your hands, prayers that warmed your soul, and food that made you consider a second (okay, third) plate. It was cold outside, but the energy and hospitality made up for it. I even grabbed a short 12-second video — check my notes section if you want a glimpse of the orange-drenched celebration.
Speaking of orange — it’s the color of Sikhism, a symbol of courage and joy. So the celebration continued on Sunday, with a visit to another Gurdwara in Richfield, OH (yes, the same Richfield where the Cavs played back in the day for all you NBA nostalgia lovers). The ask? Everyone wear orange. And we did. It felt good to not just observe, but to participate.
Just last week, the kids and I sat through a beautiful presentation about Sikhism, led by a college professor who brought heart, humor, and insight. I’m so glad I stayed for it. This weekend felt like a celebration of everything I learned — and more.
Friday was a special one — not just because I made it back home, but because it marked the launch of my very first piece of paid content. Honestly, when I started The Dad Diary, I never imagined it as anything more than a personal journal — a way to share cool moments, thoughts, and life’s little adventures with anyone who wanted to follow along. Kind of like leaving the diary open on the kitchen table, hoping someone might smile while flipping through the pages.
That spirit hasn’t changed. I still want The Dad Diary to be a place you can visit freely, like an open door to a familiar house. So don’t worry — the main content will remain free, just like always. But for those of you who’ve asked about supporting or going a little deeper behind the scenes, I’ve set up a Buy Me a Coffee page. Think of it as a backstage pass — a way to peek into the “how” and “why” behind what I post here.
There will be bonus stuff there — like behind-the-scenes photos, early drafts, and reflections that might not make it to the main site. Some pieces, like the letter I wrote to Jasper for his first birthday, will live there as paid content. Not because I want to put walls up, but because some stories feel more personal — and making them available to a smaller, more intentional circle feels right.
This isn’t about limiting connection — it’s about deepening it. It’s a thank you to those who’ve been cheering from the sidelines and want to come a little closer. I’m incredibly grateful you’re here, whether you’re just stopping by or diving all the way in.
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