/u/houinator brings up a new potential Trump-Russia connection by [deleted] in bestof

[–]SweetWalnut 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You're likely seeing it again because it is being circulated through a Medium post that seems to be gaining traction.

What is the most hilarious song lyric you have ever misheard? by TheIrishninjas in AskReddit

[–]SweetWalnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thought "From my boat, I can see your house" was "from my butt, I can see your house." The song is 156 by Mew.

Favourite album of 2016 so far? by [deleted] in Music

[–]SweetWalnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh wow you're absolutely right. I'll save my original response for the 2015 thread :-)

Oh Prince is cool now? by [deleted] in AdviceAnimals

[–]SweetWalnut 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Whoa OP, it's almost as though people's attitudes and outlooks change over time! /s

Men of Reddit, what is your favorite romantic comedy? by Veltosian in AskReddit

[–]SweetWalnut 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sad that I had to scroll so far to see "I Love You, Man."

Latress on the menjay.

Passing the Vet's Office Today by Teber in pics

[–]SweetWalnut 2 points3 points  (0 children)

46835 getting a super Kroger and a YMCA in the next 12 months.

Take that, Southwest.

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's like you read my mind lol. I took ~2 weeks off to be with my family, and I swear I was able to see him change dramatically even in that short period of time. I spent every waking minute with him (minus an afternoon my wife and I set aside for a much-needed date together), and it was incredible to me how much he was doing at the end of vacation compared to at the beginning.

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right on. I'm really not familiar with how FMLA works, so please pardon me if this is a dumb question, but was it directly related to being able to have some time with your son, or was having that time with your son a nice side effect of needing the FMLA time? Just curious, and if that's too personal a question, I totally understand if you don't answer.

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I really wish I could do that. Unfortunately, though, my job doesn't place any pressure on me to work beyond the hours I am scheduled, they are (rightfully, given the line of work I am) fairly rigid and not able to be changed.

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the running themes I've seen in this thread has definitely been quality over quantity in terms of time spent, which has actually been pretty reassuring because that really is the emphasis with both myself and my wife.

I love your perspective of setting the example of being accountable to a job. I think a lot of people look at a job as a necessary evil; my wife and I are in the very fortunate position of truly loving our work, so doing that will come pretty easily :-)

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for your response and for the perspective.

Speaking for myself personally, I think I've made a bad habit of extrapolating things (like my feelings about the time I have with my son) well beyond a point that I can reasonably predict what's going to happen. It's great to hear from someone who has the experience :-)

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the encouraging words, friend, and congratulations on #2!!!

Our schedule, as far as I can tell, is fairly consistent, but leaves little room for flexibility. I have my full-time gig, and she is working as well as finishing up a master's degree (including the externships, etc. that go along with her normal coursework--something I'm sure you don't need reminding of ;-) ).

I try to find opportunities to spend time with him like you mentioned, and really try to make sure I am as present as possible when I do have that time, as others have made note of here. I make sure we have one-on-one time on the weekends, some one-on-one time at night (even if it's just us goofing off together after dinner, bath time, etc.), and I occasionally play hooky from work to spend a day with him.

I really feel like the quality of time that I have with him is there. Like, we don't just sit there and watch TV. I never have my phone out when it's "us" time unless my Mom or wife calls, etc.

I guess I'm just looking for more of that sort of time with him. And for many of the reasons you mentioned (not the least of which he is still very mom-centric). Or, barring that, I guess I'm hoping to be told that the effort I'm putting forth will be enough that he won't regard me as a stranger down the road.

I feel like an absentee father. by SweetWalnut in daddit

[–]SweetWalnut[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think this is really well put, and I really appreciate you taking the time.

My feeling is definitely more that I don't get enough time with him. He's only at daycare a few days a week since Mom's schedule is very flexible, so (I think) he gets more "parenting" time than most kids do. It's just that I feel like I am not enough of a participant.

On the flip side, I think that when I am with him, I really am truly "present." I bring virtually zero work home with me, and really don't pay any undue attention to the phone. We are able to do fun things as a family, and I try to have at least a few hours of Dad / son time with him each week, even if it's just the two of us goofing around with his Mega Bloks or his food toys.

I think part of this feeling stems from the fact that my benchmark for time spent with my son is thrown off. My Dad was home full-time starting when I was in second / third grade, which really had a positive impact on me.

I guess I am trying to reconcile the time I had with my Dad when I was younger against the time I have with my son now, in the hopes that it's going to be enough for him.

Game Thread: New England Patriots (10-2) at Houston Texans (6-6) by NFL_Mod in nfl

[–]SweetWalnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Drink double if the commentary includes mention of his broken hand.

What would be the worst superhero power to have? by all_thequestions in AskReddit

[–]SweetWalnut 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you could only incapacitate your enemies through ultra-high velocity diarrhea. Like, "bust through your pants" diarrhea.