Author Archives: Jim Cota

About Jim Cota

Jim lives in Indianapolis with his wife and four kids and feels lucky to work with the fine folks at Rare Bird. An occasional writer, tweeter, and shooter. If you need to know anything else about me, this should do it...

Sea turtle nests protected by state and federal law

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Jim Cota

There are signs common in Florida and other coastal areas warning of potential fines and imprisonment for various offenses related to endangered sea turtles and their nests. The provisions are fairly specific yet wide-ranging. Florida state law provides protection against … Continue reading →

Posted in kids, life, observations | Leave a comment

Is the ‘parenting bargain’ worth it?

Posted on January 9, 2012 by Jim Cota

Parenting is quite a bit like the human reproductive process: a few moments of pleasure followed by several months of discomfort, culminating in an event that– for most people– requires hospitalization. Is it worth it? Continue reading →

Posted in happy, kids, life, parenting | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Remembering Mary Card Harbaugh

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Jim Cota

It took a little convincing to get Mary to run her first mini-Marathon. She had the normal anxieties any of us would about running 13 miles. She wasn’t sure she could do it, probably wasn’t looking forward to all the … Continue reading →

Posted in life, observations | 8 Comments

Insanity Illustrated:

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Jim Cota

I love riding my bike. But I also like being alive. You can call me chicken, I can live with that.

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I’ve been waiting a long time to open this. Thanks, Zach!

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Jim Cota

October 01, 2011 at 05:16PM from Instagram: http://instagr.am/p/Oy5aP/

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How does your garden grow?

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Jim Cota

You plant a garden. Your flowers don’t grow. You don’t criticize and yell at your flowers. You water, fertilize, and nurture them… and your garden grows. Think about your family, friends, and co-workers. When you find them not doing what … Continue reading →

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The trouble with dogs…

Posted on August 24, 2011 by Jim Cota

Louis CK was on Conan recently discussing the problem with dogs. “Parenting,” he says, “gets easier. I had a dog once, and that doesn’t get easier. It’s harder having a dog because children develop and dogs just stay dumb.” He … Continue reading →

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Sometimes you just have to stop to smell…

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Jim Cota

I took Grace to the restroom at the ballpark today and then stood around waiting for her for several minutes. She finally came out and said, “Sorry that took so long, Dad.” “It’s okay, honey,” I replied, “but why did … Continue reading →

Posted in funny, kids, life, observations | Tagged , | 1 Comment

A great idea + creative masses = amazing results

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Jim Cota

Think of all the great creative minds and the world’s best ideas, and you might come away thinking that creative genius is found by an individual toiling away alone. I think this can happen occasionally, but not often. Beyond that, … Continue reading →

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My entry for “Parent of the Year,” circa 2011

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Jim Cota

It’s not like I haven’t been here before. In fact, I seem to have a knack for putting myself in exactly the right position to be used as an excellent example of what not to do when raising your children. … Continue reading →

Posted in life, observations, parenting | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment