So I Quit My Day Job - Holy Cow! I Took the Plunge

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain

I’m officially a ProBlogger now.

Yesterday morning, I turned in my resignation from my day job (I work with U.S. military veterans for the Guam Legislature). OK, it doesn’t actually take effect until the end of next week, but still.

Woo hoo!

It’s pretty liberating. And very very very scary.

Why I Love Being a Dad

What is a home without children? Quiet. - Henny Youngman

So my wife and I decided to treat our kids by taking them to a water park, complete with slides and pools and fun stuff like that. It was a reward for the sacrifices they’ve made as we strove to become debt-free, and a celebration for the success of some of my recent projects.

I told my three-year-old son, Seth Isaiah, that we were going to the water park:

Seth: (excited) Are we going today?

Me: No, we’re going tomorrow.

Seth: (pauses to consider) OK … but next time? Can you make it today?

Me: I’ll do my best.

Top 25 Life-Improving Christmas Gifts for Under $10

If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to give cheap but meaningful gifts. Yes, I’m a cheapskate, but I’m a happy one.

I’ve always been into improving my life, and if I can help the loved ones in my life do the same, without spending a lot, I’m very happy.

Last week, I asked you guys for some suggestions for inexpensive gifts, and boy did you deliver. This week, I’m going to steal your answers for those who didn’t have the time to read them all — these are just my favorite ones, plus a couple of my own ideas. (Thank you, readers!)

Ask the readers: Inexpensive gifts to improve your life?

OK, the holiday season is upon us, and many people are doing their Christmas shopping (or whatever holiday you celebrate) … what to buy?

I’m looking for suggestions that will:

1. Help you improve your life. And no, beer doesn’t count.

2. Not cost a whole lot.

I’m thinking that $20-under gifts would be good, but $10-under is even better.

So let’s hear your suggestions!

Bonus questions: tips for inexpensive holidays? For keeping weight off during the holidays? Creative gift wrapping suggestions? Let’s have a reader tip fest! :)

5 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Connect with your Teen, Tween and Young Kids

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Vanessa Van Petten, who runs a teen blog.

Why do teenagers do drugs?

This was the main question in a study conducted by CASA (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse) called “The Importance of Family Dinners.” This study was conducted to find out what causes children to do drugs as teenagers and young adults. It followed 2,000 different types of families and found one major pattern: kids who had regular and frequent family dinners were less likely to do drugs than those with less family interaction.

In other words, family time is one of the most important factors in determining kids disposition to drugs and trouble.