"A Dog + a Little Girl + An Automatic Car Window = Family Nightmare" Or "What You Gonna Do When Life Poops on You?"

"A Dog + a Little Girl + An Automatic Car Window = Family Nightmare" Or "What You Gonna Do When Life Poops on You?"

It was an ordinary day. We had no reason to think it would spiral into a nightmare for my 8-year-old daughter, Kristin–and for our chronically shabby, ungroomed schnauzer named Frosty (Frosty’s a she by the way).

The family was packed into the Blazer, making a rare trip to Frosty’s groomer. Lined up on the backseat are [...]

September 24th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Fun on Flight 1703 (The Zippy and Lippy Show or Dad Gone Wild!)

Fun on Flight 1703 (The Zippy and Lippy Show or Dad Gone Wild!)

This past Christmas season my family and I traveled to New York City, (a favorite destination of ours–especially around Christmas). The trip was amazing–Central Park, The Grinch and A Color Purple on Broadway (go Fantasia!), pizza at Famous Ray’s (on 42nd St.), M&M’s superstore, breakfast in a diner with singing serving staff, and a number [...]

September 15th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

I Talked With My Daughter Last Night: A Father’s Joy

I Talked With My Daughter Last Night: A Father’s Joy

I didn’t want to. I was tired. There was a show on TV I wanted to watch. I wanted to work on this blog and the website.

Just before she came into the room I was thinking about how everything in my life has become too much “have to,” too little “choose to.” I felt [...]

September 10th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Even the "bad dads" need love this Father’s Day

Even the "bad dads" need love this Father’s Day

Reader’s note: I like exaggeration, sarcasm….and satire. (Thanks!)

Hi, I’m Jim and I’m a (gulp)…fatherI am what is known as an American father. Yes, I am one of the much maligned, often reviled, always caricatured “dad” every child is mad at and every wife “can’t live with…and can’t live without”. Or so it would appear–if [...]

June 13th, 2008 by jkochenburger