You know I love your stuff Dan — keep it coming. Small friendly PSA from someone who’s learned the hard way: writing does terrible things to your waistline. I don’t even do this full-time and, in the year or so I’ve been writing on Substack, I’ve definitely gained weight.
Today I did spend most of the day writing. Once I got locked in, I barely moved — which is an alternative way to say, I turned into a sedentary burrito. Not great for those love handles.
Your work on substack is important , informative and valued thank you. Both books sound interesting but personally the evolution of the brain sounds fascinating
It is my passion, Neil. So much to learn from how it all began. But it is a lot of work to turn it into a book. Ps. Thanks for your consistent engagement, means a lot!
Dan, thanks for sharing! When our first son was born, Sue wanted to stay home with our new baby boy. She was in education, and I was in the aerospace industry. Similar to your reality, my income continued to climb until I became president of a business with customers such as Boeing, Piper, Harley-Davidson, Brembo, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Ford. We were in a private jet, and Sue turned to ask, "Do I need to return to teaching?" My response, "Do whatever you want!" She became involved in the garden club, fitness. She joined me for certain meetings and avoided the boring trips. She is so fit and happy. Our sons blossomed and have vibrant families. Scott, our MBA, lives in Docklands, Melbourne, Australia. Matt just married his high school sweetheart. Now we have two great-grandkids! Couples need to make their own decisions about time management. I prefer to call in relationship care. We recently celebrated our 57th anniversary. I look forward to your creative work. Your UK health care is radically different than the USA Big Pharma racket. With 57 trips to Europe and GB, we have lots of friends sharing their sagas. Great fun.
Congrats on 23 years together. To your question, we met in 8th grade. I was active on the swim team, a letterman, anxious to race hydroplanes on the river. She was active in her church. Her Mom knew that I sang in my church choir. I invited her to a sled riding party at my house. We kissed in the snow that night, 17 years old. Her Dad died at 47, and she had to transfer to a less expensive school. I was thrilled that she transferred to Penn State, where I was studying engineering. We married in the summer of 1968. We love traveling, dancing, walking, gardening, bridge, fine dining, wine, and movies. She adapted to my passions for Porsches and motorcycles. One technique we developed was preparing short lists of what we called WANTS/NEEDS. For example, one time she wrote about never being able to find SCISSORS. We went out and found lots of them and had them in various locations. For our 40th anniversary, she wanted to learn TANGO. We found the studio and got rather good at it. Fun! Great exercise. We seek out gardens, fine food, and wine. Per FitBit, we walked 2,900 miles last year. We hold hands, talk, and leave the phones at home.
Best of luck Dan being a “stay at home” Dad. I really do believe it’s better for kids, the entire family unit actually, if one parent can stay home. Unfortunately in this day of constantly rising costs (where does it stop) it’s not always possible. Looking forward to your experiences and observations.
Dan, I've been reading your Substack for over a year and I always learn something! This year, I retired after a 35- year career in pediatrics in the US. My dream is to be a full time writer. I started a blog and website (soulrounds.com). I want to provide encouragement to healthcare professionals.
I loved your posts on empathy! I'd like to see more on the evolution of human social behavior. (Big topic, I know...). I'm looking forward to reading your work in the future!
Oh, my friend! I am so thrilled for you & your family! 🙌
I totally support you in your effort. I’ve been a paid subscribers for quite a while now. I am looking forward to your books!
Bravo, my friend! Brava to your wife! Finally, bravissimo to your children! 👏👏👏
I must say that when I retired in Italy & returned to the States, one of my first questions to myself was “where did all of these clothes come from”! 🤔
.. most opportune & apropos ! look forward.to further probes of your site ! please wish her well ! My son & daughter in law accomplished the same - albeit kids 2.5 & 4.5 or so & neither remotely in the Healthcare Field. - started his Paternity Benefit after hers ended .. & it’s kindergarden & Grade One now. He was my key 2nd shooter & Editor on many Accredited CME Healthcare Productions & I take a very special interest of those in the Healthcare & Education Field.. Exemplars - Best Practices
I am persuaded to subscribe by your recent post describing your decision to change careers. Like subscriber Richard, I have been married 57 years, but we started dating in high school which puts us together for 61 years! I am a British-trained RN, which gave us full entry to the U.S. in 1968. Though we originally intended a 1-year stay, we have remained for 50+years. Like your wife, I stayed at home with children until the oldest was 5, when economics forced a return to work. When I decided on a career change, my husband became the primary care-giver, although he did continue to work. Now we are both retired but my second career as a neuropsychologist and a 20-year University career has given me a pension and the pair of us much greater financial freedom in our later life. Our long marriage has survived and grown on humor as a primary ingredient. Also, like Richard, a willingness to support and engage in each others’ passions is a necessary condiment. We do things together whenever possible, and we talk. We have traveled and had many adventures, and have marvelous memories. I believe the career changes that you both are engaging in will bring a large extra dimension to your marriage. This time you have with your children will nourish a much deeper relationship with your children that would not have occurred had you continued in your NHS career.
Best of luck to you and your wife in this new chapter!
You know I love your stuff Dan — keep it coming. Small friendly PSA from someone who’s learned the hard way: writing does terrible things to your waistline. I don’t even do this full-time and, in the year or so I’ve been writing on Substack, I’ve definitely gained weight.
Today I did spend most of the day writing. Once I got locked in, I barely moved — which is an alternative way to say, I turned into a sedentary burrito. Not great for those love handles.
Wishing you and your family every success and thank you for your service in the NHS! xo
Your work on substack is important , informative and valued thank you. Both books sound interesting but personally the evolution of the brain sounds fascinating
It is my passion, Neil. So much to learn from how it all began. But it is a lot of work to turn it into a book. Ps. Thanks for your consistent engagement, means a lot!
Dan, thanks for sharing! When our first son was born, Sue wanted to stay home with our new baby boy. She was in education, and I was in the aerospace industry. Similar to your reality, my income continued to climb until I became president of a business with customers such as Boeing, Piper, Harley-Davidson, Brembo, Caterpillar, John Deere, and Ford. We were in a private jet, and Sue turned to ask, "Do I need to return to teaching?" My response, "Do whatever you want!" She became involved in the garden club, fitness. She joined me for certain meetings and avoided the boring trips. She is so fit and happy. Our sons blossomed and have vibrant families. Scott, our MBA, lives in Docklands, Melbourne, Australia. Matt just married his high school sweetheart. Now we have two great-grandkids! Couples need to make their own decisions about time management. I prefer to call in relationship care. We recently celebrated our 57th anniversary. I look forward to your creative work. Your UK health care is radically different than the USA Big Pharma racket. With 57 trips to Europe and GB, we have lots of friends sharing their sagas. Great fun.
Wow! That is incredible. 57 years! Would love to hear more about the secrets to long marriage. We are at 23 years.
Congrats on 23 years together. To your question, we met in 8th grade. I was active on the swim team, a letterman, anxious to race hydroplanes on the river. She was active in her church. Her Mom knew that I sang in my church choir. I invited her to a sled riding party at my house. We kissed in the snow that night, 17 years old. Her Dad died at 47, and she had to transfer to a less expensive school. I was thrilled that she transferred to Penn State, where I was studying engineering. We married in the summer of 1968. We love traveling, dancing, walking, gardening, bridge, fine dining, wine, and movies. She adapted to my passions for Porsches and motorcycles. One technique we developed was preparing short lists of what we called WANTS/NEEDS. For example, one time she wrote about never being able to find SCISSORS. We went out and found lots of them and had them in various locations. For our 40th anniversary, she wanted to learn TANGO. We found the studio and got rather good at it. Fun! Great exercise. We seek out gardens, fine food, and wine. Per FitBit, we walked 2,900 miles last year. We hold hands, talk, and leave the phones at home.
That’s how you make it 57+ years!
My wife also loves tango 🧐
Beautiful! 🤩
Been there. It is a different way to interface with the world. I would like to read more as you write more.
Best of luck Dan being a “stay at home” Dad. I really do believe it’s better for kids, the entire family unit actually, if one parent can stay home. Unfortunately in this day of constantly rising costs (where does it stop) it’s not always possible. Looking forward to your experiences and observations.
Thanks, Elizabeth. Was wondering if I share some stay at home Dad stuff.
Dan, I've been reading your Substack for over a year and I always learn something! This year, I retired after a 35- year career in pediatrics in the US. My dream is to be a full time writer. I started a blog and website (soulrounds.com). I want to provide encouragement to healthcare professionals.
I loved your posts on empathy! I'd like to see more on the evolution of human social behavior. (Big topic, I know...). I'm looking forward to reading your work in the future!
Thanks, Jeff. Happy retirement. Sounds like you earned it - paediatrics!!!
Thanks for the feedback, it is very helpful.
Oh, my friend! I am so thrilled for you & your family! 🙌
I totally support you in your effort. I’ve been a paid subscribers for quite a while now. I am looking forward to your books!
Bravo, my friend! Brava to your wife! Finally, bravissimo to your children! 👏👏👏
I must say that when I retired in Italy & returned to the States, one of my first questions to myself was “where did all of these clothes come from”! 🤔
Your friend, Richard
presumably your wife has a field of endeavour .. am curious ! 🦎🏴☠️🍁
Genetics and Immunology. Now Public Health. She is defo the smart one in the pair.
.. most opportune & apropos ! look forward.to further probes of your site ! please wish her well ! My son & daughter in law accomplished the same - albeit kids 2.5 & 4.5 or so & neither remotely in the Healthcare Field. - started his Paternity Benefit after hers ended .. & it’s kindergarden & Grade One now. He was my key 2nd shooter & Editor on many Accredited CME Healthcare Productions & I take a very special interest of those in the Healthcare & Education Field.. Exemplars - Best Practices
Wishing you all joy in this new part of the journey!
I am persuaded to subscribe by your recent post describing your decision to change careers. Like subscriber Richard, I have been married 57 years, but we started dating in high school which puts us together for 61 years! I am a British-trained RN, which gave us full entry to the U.S. in 1968. Though we originally intended a 1-year stay, we have remained for 50+years. Like your wife, I stayed at home with children until the oldest was 5, when economics forced a return to work. When I decided on a career change, my husband became the primary care-giver, although he did continue to work. Now we are both retired but my second career as a neuropsychologist and a 20-year University career has given me a pension and the pair of us much greater financial freedom in our later life. Our long marriage has survived and grown on humor as a primary ingredient. Also, like Richard, a willingness to support and engage in each others’ passions is a necessary condiment. We do things together whenever possible, and we talk. We have traveled and had many adventures, and have marvelous memories. I believe the career changes that you both are engaging in will bring a large extra dimension to your marriage. This time you have with your children will nourish a much deeper relationship with your children that would not have occurred had you continued in your NHS career.
Your words are well received. And comforting. The best investment, as you e shown, is family. Thanks for the support. Dan
Good luck with your future plans!
I take it we'll be hearing more from you, hopefully!!
All the best!
Thanks Joe, ❤️
Like Richard, I am also married 57 years.