I took the day off today. We celebrated my son's 8th birthday and got to do the things he wanted. Went to lunch at his favorite pizza place… a local chain where this location houses the 12th largest clock in the United States. You have to look up to see it. It is on the ceiling. We got to go to "the baseball store." It is a retail store called Charlie Rose that sells baseball and softball equipment—exclusively—and has been around the area for generations and I remember visiting the area when I was in high school and college and going to the same store (which has now moved locations). They gave him a free t-shirt for his birthday. We also introduced the children to Big League Chew, which they—of course—had for sale. It was all amazing. Finally, we went to the arcade, where the kids had fun and so did the parents. We played a lot of air hockey—I shall soon give Kelly Leak a run for his money—and a bunch of games where the machines took our money at a rapid pace. But we had a grand time.
Birthday cake is coming up in a bit. Cupcakes too. I'm having trouble convincing the rest of my family that pie is much more superior to cake. There's really no question, but we live in a strong cake culture. And they are traditionalists around here. Getting them off cake for birthdays is one of my life's missions. My son is also regularly shames me about the lack of YouTube subscribers I have, so if you'd like to honor him for his birthday, consider watching my latest YouTube, which is our interview with bestselling author Jim Murphy, and subscribe to the channel. The O'Leary Family thanks you. As always, Brian | 
