Apple Made Me A Little "On This Day" Film...

Everyday for the past nine, almost ten years, I've sat down with my computer and picked out a photo to post on social media. Tonight, my phone informed me that something happened three years ago today and my phone assumed I would like to see what happened three years ago today.

My phone was right.

I am constantly amazed how incredible the world is in which we live. Especially technology. I know, I know...it's going to one day rise up and destroy us all, but until then, I can't help but be amazed.

The phone showed me a pictures of what happened three years ago. It took a bit, but I finally recognized the photos and videos. On August 18th, 2017 my son and I went to a party thrown by Tobin's Elite Academy of Martial Arts. It was a carnival for the parents and students of the academy. Truth be told, it was a little corny, but also cool.

My son took part in the outside games, then went inside where he practiced his Jedi skills on a balance beam. He did defeat a very young girl, as well as took flight from other opponents. My phone compiled the pictures and videos I took on that day and created a nice memento that I'm now sharing with the world. The phone-created video came with several soundtracks that I could choose, everything from sentimental to dreamy to epic. I went with the default.

I guess we're just supposed to accept all this cool stuff that comes our way, like humans have always had phones that can not only remember what you recorded years ago, but create a video presentation as a reminder--like it's always been this way. No...we live in amazing times.

So, Our Son's Taken Up Karate...

There's so much you don't know when it comes to your kids. When you find out there's one on the way, you're so excited, but I don't ever remember thinking about what at little bundle of joy was going to do when they turned ten-years old, or sixteen, or thirty. I probably did think about it, but not too much because I can't remember doing it.

Our youngest is different from his siblings. That's not unusual. It would be strange if he was exactly like one or all of them. He's a kind soul with a big heart. He loves animals and Legos. I didn't see him enjoying karate lessons. But that's exactly what he does.

He's only been going for a few months. Last weekend he had a belt test. My wife and I joined the other proud parents in the dojo on the side of the mats. I took a bunch of pictures, but I told my son I wouldn't post them--he's a little sensitive about having his picture splashed about.

As he went through his test, I watched him. He really enjoys it. It's tough sometimes as a parent to know what your kids will like, or what they'll reject. So far, this has been a positive experience for him. I don't know how long he'll enjoy the lessons, but for now, he's having a blast.

Back when I started this blog, or daughter was involved in gymnastics. After a few years she made the decision to stop--it was probably for the best considering who she was and the things she wanted to do. The training she gained in gymnastics has helped her ever since. I hope my son can say the same thing in a few years.