Stay at home dad by choice

The end of June would have marked the 2 year anniversary since my departure from my last job. While I did not initially think I would go this long without a job, if I could go back in time, I would not change a thing. I spent the 7 years prior working in education and non-profits, most notably, teach for America. The two years before that were spent as an IT consultant with IBM and US Customs.

The last 2 years, afforded me the opportunity to spend irreplaceable time with my now two-year-old son. Most people have to send their kids to daycare and only spend a couple hours with them a day before it is off to bed to repeat it all again the next day. 

Many people have asked why I didn't just take any job. I can thank my wonderful wife for supporting me on my journey of overcoming anxiety, depression, and rediscovering who I was and what I liked to do.  While my journey is by no means complete, I can honestly say I have never been happier and more at peace with who I am. 

The purpose of this blog is to take you along my journey as a father, husband, fitness enthusiast, craft beer lover, and all of the other weird things that make me who I am. Remember, I Don't Fit In Boxes.

To brew or not to brew? That is the question

If you check my Instagram then you know I drink my fair share of beer. You will also quickly realize that I don't just drink any beer but mostly those from craft and microbreweries. I have gone back and forth with the idea of brewing my own beer and usually end up questioning if it is worth the investment. I'm interested in the thoughts and opinions of others that have tried it. Please reach out directly or in the comments section below.

Returning to work after 2 years off...

Having spent the last two years at home with my soon to be three-year-old son Jacob today is my first day back in the professional workforce. The last two years have been a series of ups and downs and I can honestly say more of the former than the later. Being a stay at home dad will teach you patience and humility at a level that few people will experience. The biggest contributor to humility I gained was the fact that most people judge a stay at home dad as if he has few other options. Sure, I searched for a job when I was notified that my position would be eliminated at my previous job to no avail but that search largely ended when I realized how much my time meant to my son.

I questioned myself and my self-worth at times and wondered if I was making the right decision but the smiles, hugs, laughs and love my son showed me, quickly reminded me that I made the right decision. I would encourage any family to explore the idea of one parent staying home with a child and would advocate specifically for the man to do it.

The interesting part about my job search is that things did not take off until I updated my resume to feature my most recent job title as, "Proud Stay at Home Dad." I told myself that if people judged men and therefore did not give me an opportunity then it was likely not a job or company where I wanted to work.

I have always pursued passion and purpose in my work and can happily say that my new job and company is no different. I look forward to continuing a long and fruitful career at GSD&M.

The Promised land: Modern Times Monsters' Park, Mexican Chocolate edition

So where do I start?

I started documenting my craft beer chronicles for the first time back in March of 2017. Since then, I have tried hundreds of different beers from just about every style available. What I can say without a shadow of doubt is that I have never had anything like Modern Times Monsters' Park, Mexican Chocolate Edition Special Release. My first beer from the brewery based out of San Diego California.

I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time when my boy Ray met with some buddies to trade beer and pop a few bottles. This particular bottle was second on the list. The first thing I noticed was the spice, which told me I was in for a wild ride. I don't claim to be a beer expert with the most advanced palate but it was not necessary to pick out the flavor profiles in this bottle of yummy deliciousness. The spice came from chilis and cinnamon. The overall smoothness came from vanilla and the barrel aging process. I could go on an on about the flavors but to make a long story short, this was by far the best and most unique beer I have ever tasted.

I found myself researching every ingredient on the label to try and figure out how the brewmasters were able to craft such a wonderful beverage. Modern Times receives quite a bit of fanfare in the craft beer community and I now know why. If you see this beer but it and drink it.