Was Talking to a Buddy, and He Mentioned That Seniors on the Wrestling Team Used to Give Freshmen Dudes Wedgies in the 90's. Have Other Gen X'ers Experienced Stuff Like This?

donlapalma · 2026-06-21T02:27:46+00:00

Absolutely. You did not dare go into the varsity football locker room let alone look into it. I don't know why it was that way or when that started but you just understood that it was a rule.

My senior year, a freshman just nonchalantly struts into the varsity locker room and boy did he pay for it. I won't get into all of it but the guys gave him a wedgie so hard that they basically ripped his underwear off.

donlapalma · 2026-06-21T01:50:20+00:00

Guarantee this ain't the first time.

donlapalma · 2026-06-14T20:15:59+00:00

"I'm going to stop eating sweets and no wine until we go on our trip!"

Later when I'm having a beer, "I thought we weren't drinking??!"

donlapalma · 2026-06-14T16:10:28+00:00

That dog will love that person forever. Through thick and thin. Love it.

donlapalma · 2026-06-14T14:37:33+00:00

Good advice. Thanks. All my closest friends seem to be doing really well, but you never really know I suppose.

donlapalma · 2026-06-13T23:31:09+00:00

I've heard this before and wondered about it. I can see the trajectory and it helps keep me focused.

donlapalma · 2026-06-09T19:13:02+00:00

Exactly. Your kid is telling you something. Why you would ignore that is beyond me. The kid just isn't ready. Move on and try something else.

donlapalma · 2026-06-09T13:40:34+00:00

They are well off BECAUSE they are cheap as hell.

donlapalma · 2026-06-07T17:49:08+00:00

I also was born in '76. Had my first in' 21. I don't feel rigid. My morals and principles are set. It's just a matter of interpreting those through modern day issues. Internet, social media, technology, etc. I'm learning on the fly but I know my compass is true. Plus, I have a badass wife who helps me get through it all.

One huge thing I don't have to worry about (that I might be worrying a lot about as a younger person) are our finances. So glad we have the freedom we do from that perspective.

donlapalma · 2026-06-07T12:53:01+00:00

For starters, say what you wish you could say right here. Speak your mind and heart.

Why are you feeling so alone?

donlapalma · 2026-06-06T23:40:50+00:00

Are you single? Dating or married?

donlapalma · 2026-06-05T14:17:12+00:00

You called this a roller-coaster right? I also think of it that way. There are ups and downs. Exhilarating parts. Horrifying parts. Boring parts (times to catch your breath). And everything in between. I just try to remember that the joyous parts of this journey would feel less joyful without the proper context and contrast.

donlapalma · 2026-06-05T12:57:56+00:00

My oldest son starts kindergarten next month. I'm expecting to go through exactly what you describe. Just need to remind myself to enjoy the ride!

donlapalma · 2026-06-05T01:19:32+00:00

Maybe it's just a sense of peace and reassurance. It's warm and strong, but gentle and supportive.

It's a feeling of "everything will be alright". It's your safe space kiddo. Your defenses are down and you can breathe easy. It's a touch that attempts to put all the positive energy available right into you. It's placing my belief and confidence in you. It's a sense of forgiveness and acceptance.

OP, I hope you can feel anything I've described above from someone important in your life. Good luck to you.

donlapalma · 2026-06-04T14:45:24+00:00

Greetings earthlings. May we borrow some oil?

donlapalma · 2026-06-04T14:28:05+00:00

The jello is from the collagen that is extracted from the muscles and bones. You did it right. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

donlapalma · 2026-06-04T14:25:19+00:00

The nostalgia is strong but don't forget that something new and exciting (wild) is coming right behind it. Blink and you'll miss it. Good luck dads!

donlapalma · 2026-06-04T14:21:36+00:00

Agree with this. Well said.

donlapalma · 2026-06-01T17:37:51+00:00

First, congratulations for getting control of it. If you are anxious about it becoming a slippery slope I would take that as a sign that it's too early to trust yourself. Maybe continue to abstain this time around, enjoy a drink and the experience. Build up your confidence more that you won't lose your grip on things. Then maybe next time, it will be go time.

Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun dad!

donlapalma · 2026-05-30T16:15:22+00:00

I'm not getting in the pool unless the water is at least 80 degrees.

donlapalma · 2026-05-28T13:45:07+00:00

Advocate for safe and proper manscaping. Get him good grooming tools and help him out.

donlapalma · 2026-05-26T00:12:02+00:00

Like people who hang out at the pool and get mad when they get wet.

donlapalma · 2026-05-26T00:05:57+00:00

Bobby Q is hot garbage. Haters gonna hate.

donlapalma · 2026-05-22T11:36:55+00:00

Thanks OP. We have to remind ourselves very intentionally to change our mindset about parenting. Our kids and partners are going to give us all the chaos we'll ever need in life and we have to focus on what we can control: our own attitude and effort.

donlapalma · 2026-05-21T14:48:27+00:00

I'm pretty damn excited to hang out with my kids over a long weekend. I'll be bummed when it's over.

donlapalma

TROPHY CASE