Listen, I like the idea of tracking how many books I read, but what I don’t like is competing with other folks who read the shortest books they can find so they can ramp up their numbers. Nor do I want to compare myself with folks who are listening to audiobooks at 2X to 3X speed. How can you even take a moment to comprehend what you’re hearing or reading when it’s that speed?!?

No shame to the folks who do listen to audiobooks at that speed, you do you. If you’re enjoying it, who am I to judge? I just know it’s not for me. I like to enjoy my books and hang on each and every word. I also like to pause for reflection when I read something that touches my soul.

About my family

Family comes first for me and always has. I met my wife in 2016 when her son was about 5 months old. We instantly hit it off and have been inseparable since. In 2018 we bought our house together, and in 2019 we had our daughter. It was everything I’d ever wanted in a family, and we were happily growing into our new home.

Then 2020 came with curveballs galore, the LEAST of which was actually COVID-19. In May 2021 my Wife’s sister had a baby girl, her fifth. She already had twin boy/girl (aged 8), and two additional girls (aged 5 and 1). Little did I know a couple months later these four children would be coming to live with me permanently. Talk about being a busy Dad!

So here we are, three and a half years later, and I’ve got six children in my house under the age of 12. We have been through many highs and many lows, but at the end of the day I will always treat all of them as my children.

Professional Life

As if trying to take care of six kids isn’t enough, I also of course have to have a career to help support our family. I spent my early years out of high school working pizza delivery in a small town, obviously feeling that I was meant for more. In 2007 I took a job in automotive manufacturing, and stayed in that role for about a year and a half before I was laid off due to the 2008 recession. During my layoff I spent some time working at Best Buy. It was a super fun job, but it definitely wasn’t capable of sustaining family which is what I ultimately wanted.

In 2010 I switched to a different automotive manufacturer, and stayed with them until 2024. Throughout that time I worked as a (robotic) Welding Operator, a Quality Inspector, Quality Engineer, and eventually became Quality Assistant Manager. I really loved the company I worked for and the people I worked with, but the size of my family was straining my relationship with the company. This was due to lack of work-life balance as well as being underpaid for what I felt I was worth.

In 2024, I took a leap of faith and left automotive altogether. I joined an aerospace company and so far it’s the best decision I ever made. I have a lot more work-life balance, I’m fairly compensated, and there is so much room to grow in this company.

Education

Back in 2007, when I took the job in automotive, it was a reaction to the reality check that I couldn’t financially afford furthering my education. It wasn’t for lack of trying, and honestly it’s a story I don’t want to get into but might at a later date. However, in 2024 before I started my aerospace journey I decided to start Western Governors University for Software Engineering. Once I started in my aerospace career I decided that Software Engineering wasn’t really for me, but I’m continuing school and should graduate with my BSIT in 2027!

My Why

I’m telling you all of this to drive home the fact that you can be a BUSY Dad, parent, or professional, and still be able to enjoy reading or any other hobby you’re passionate about. I created this site to share with you how I do it, and how you can do it too! Along with my guides, I will use this site to share book recommendations, reviews, and life updates. I hope you come along for the journey!