Comics, Bench Press, and Birthday Chaos: A Peek Into Our Week

The Comic That Deserves a Trophy Case

We just wrapped up Noah’s birthday, and now Sam’s is around the corner in March. That means gift brainstorming is in full swing. Sam’s still all about comics—he’s deep in that superhero world—and this year, he asked if we could get one of his favorite issues CGC graded.

If you haven’t gone down that rabbit hole, CGC is a company that grades and seals your comic like it’s an artifact. Think: museum-quality display case for Spider-Man. It’s a way of saying, “This comic matters.” And for a kid who idolizes superheroes, it turns a regular gift into something legendary.

A Punch in the Gut From the UFC Feed

While we were in comic-mode, a totally different emotion hit—scrolling through UFC news. We saw a photo of some of our longtime favorite fighters, and it stopped us cold.

They’re aging. Some are retired. Others are slowing down. These are the warriors we grew up with, the ones we cheered for in every fight. Now, they’re stepping out of the cage. And as much as we respect the transition, it’s tough watching heroes evolve into legends. It’s a reminder that even the strongest people don’t get to fight forever.

Dream House... With a Vending Machine?

In between all that, someone sent us a picture of a full-on soda machine installed in their house. Like, actual vending machine hardware sitting next to the kitchen.

We’re in the middle of designing our dream home, so the timing was funny. As cool and ridiculous as it looked, Holly and I just laughed. A soda machine in the house? That’s a level of chaos I’m not ready to sign up for. But hey, never say never.

From Cross-Exam to Father-Son Throwback

Noah had a school demo this week on cross-examination. Naturally, I dug out one of my all-time favorite books from law school. It’s a guide on cross that I still use when teaching younger attorneys.

Snapping a picture of it for Noah brought back memories of being at Law School, practicing for mock trials, and getting grilled by professors. It reminded me how fast time flies—and how skills passed down can still hold weight decades later.

When a Manicure Makes the Day

In the middle of all this, Holly went to get her nails done—and they came out looking awesome. One of those small things that may seem minor but really lifted the vibe for the day.

Sometimes, that’s all you need to reset the mood. A little color, a little sparkle, and a reason to smile.

The 75-Year-Old Bench Press Legacy

The highlight of the week was easily my dad’s 75th birthday. Instead of a quiet dinner or cake, his trainer set up a bench press birthday check-in. No pressure. No competition. Just seeing where you’re at.

We all went—me, my brother, the whole crew. Watching my dad hit the bench at 75 was nothing short of inspiring. It wasn’t about numbers. It was about showing up. That’s a legacy I want my kids to see. One where discipline doesn’t expire.

Missing Mr. Ted

And finally, the quiet part of the week. Holly and I have been missing Mr. Ted—our dog, our companion, our shadow.

His absence has changed our mornings and evenings in ways we didn’t expect. No paws clicking on the floor. No head nudging us for breakfast. There’s just a quiet now, and it’s not the good kind. We still catch ourselves looking for him. And missing him hits just as hard every time.

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