Tag Archives: parenting

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 →

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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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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 →

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Dear 16-year-old me…

Posted on May 6, 2011 by Jim Cota

I got a message from my mother this morning with a link to this video. Just five minutes and three seconds, it was a short investment to make me think about this issue from a completely different perspective. Malignant Melanoma … Continue reading →

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Dad Life

Posted on August 17, 2010 by Jim Cota

For all of you Dads out there, this really needs no introduction. Enjoy. “I’ve got dozens of dollars…” Classic.

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Lily Donates to Locks of Love

Posted on August 6, 2010 by Jim Cota

Over the past couple of years, several close friends have been diagnosed with some form of cancer, including a young friend of Lily’s. All of us feel a little helpless at times like this, naturally feeling that there’s little we … Continue reading →

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On the Phone by Michael Milburn

Posted on April 8, 2010 by Jim Cota

That whooshing, watery, radio-being-tuned sound tells me he’s outdoors on his way somewhere and I’d better talk fast. I can’t remember the last time I phoned him without dreading that countdown to when he says, “I’m going into the subway, … Continue reading →

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Lily’s Creek

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Jim Cota

After hiking through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Thursday, we stopped on the way back out of the park and walked down to a clear (and very cold) mountain stream. The kids had changed out of their boots … Continue reading →

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“I want my kids to know you…”

Posted on October 29, 2009 by Jim Cota

On Saturday, we were driving through Great Smoky Mountains National Park on one of the ‘motor tours’ and stopped at one of the old Ogle farmsteads. Beautiful place, unbelievable setting. We walked around a bit, shooting video, taking pictures. At … Continue reading →

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"Happiness is not a function of what we have…"

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Jim Cota

While reading an article in the Saturday Evening Post written by Russell Wild, I came across the following: “Happiness is not a function of what we have, but rather a function of what we appreciate. Studies show that people who … Continue reading →

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