Father’s Day- Embrace the Cliche

I should have been offended at the post, but laughed instead. I am afraid that I have become so cliche that I’ve lost my own identity. It’s time for me to embrace the cliche of manliness. A few weeks ago I saw the following post on Instagram:

I both hate and love that I fall so in line with what others expect of a man my age. I am so cliche that I have a blog that is entirely devoted to almost every one of the subjects above (See the following posts about my LAWN, my BRISKET, at the innumerable posts about my GOLF game.) My only debate is if it’s “manly” to have a blog. I’ll leave that to my reader (singular) to decide.

I have to admit however that there is no shame in wanting a nicely manicured lawn, a car that’s clean and drives well, amazing tasting BBQ, and playing the only sport that won’t tear your ACL past age 35.

Embracing the Midlife Crisis

I’m learning to embrace the midlife crisis. Most men hit it, and I finally know why. We were blessed with our 4th child two weeks ago. Crisis mode set in 9 months ago, with the realization I was going to be a father again for the fourth time. Thus far an angel, I shouldn’t have reason to be concerned about our 4th. The pressures of work, family, and life do seem more real than ever for both me and Kelsey however. She fortunately has compassion on my wild ideas and moments of insanity.

I lose myself in my lawn, my bbq, the endless search for a perfect car, and mostly my golf game. Why? They are my escape. The drum of the lawnmower drowns out the noises, the smoker is hot so the kids stay away, a new car is just fun, and golf just sets my mind at ease. Interestingly I’ve found that I would rather mow the lawn with a kid on my lap and play a round of golf with my kids in the cart than to do it by myself.

For all of the spouses of men going through their midlife crisis have them call Kelsey. She’ll lend a sympathetic ear.

Embrace the Cliche of Father’s Day.

I recently read that the politically correct term for Mother’s Day is “Birthing Person’s Day” and that Father’s Day should be referred to as “Lawnmowing Person’s Day”. I prefer to embrace the cliche of “Father’s Day.“ My sister in law, who hosts a successful and professional blog, 320 Sycamore, wanted my thoughts on what a “Man” wants on Father’s Day. Thanks for thinking of me Sis. My thoughts: Embrace The Cliche. Below is my list of presents most “men” would love. If your significant other doesn’t love them then check his “man card”

Under $50

1. Golf Chipping Net – $39. Every man needs a chipping net to play with on his nicely manicured lawn. This one comes with some foam golf balls so he doesn’t break your windows.

2. Golf Gloves– $25 for 3. You can go to Dicks Sporting Goods and buy one Footjoy golf glove for $20, or you can buy three higher quality GolferMD gloves for $25. Wow, I’m impressed. Message me on instagram @Golfer_MD and I’ll send them to you!

3. Weber BBQ Set– $25. I got this set and it’s my go to. Always nice to have some good BBQ tools

4. BBQ Instant Thermometer– $15. I bought this one by a brand I never heard of before, KIZEN. It is cheap, works great, and has lasted me for over two years.

$Under $100

1. Car Detailing Kit– $70. A car detailing costs $150 or so. For $70 you can do it yourself, and for your wife. Call me cheap, but that’s what I did with this kit instead of paying someone else to do it. This kit had everything I neeeded. I was most impressed by how it made my car smell.

2. Travis Mathew Polo/Hat– $100. Travis Mathew far my favorite golf polo. They look nicer than many typical golf polos. They have a Father’s Day sale for $100 for a hat and polo. Seems like a lot to spend, unless your desperate to get your husband to look nicer. I try to get them on sale at Nordstrom Rack, but options their are limited. It will be a go to polo for sure. Their polos run a size large compared to other brands I’ve found. I like this combo…very patriotic.

Fortunately for Kelsey I don’t need any of the things on the lists above. She can get me a trip to Pebble Beach instead.

Embrace the Cliche of Dadhood

I have learned a lot from my Dad. It is very hard to remember any time in life that he raised his voice or was harsh in any way. He is kind and loving…how a Dad should be. He always drove a beat up car. So beat up that as kids we were embarrassed for him to drop us off at school. He had the money to buy a nice car, but seemed to spend his money on us kids instead.

Last week I put 3 car seats in my car. For a few years I’ve wanted to buy a new truck to be more of a man. I don’t think it’s gonna happen. I have stopped well short of driving around a beat up car like my Dad did, but I hope that the other lessons he taught have rubbed off on me. I’ve learned to embrace the cliche of Dadhood. Someday I’ll be a man with a truck. For now I will be a Dad…with 3 car seats.

About The Author

I’m an avid golfer aspiring to be a full time Dad.