And so we begin…Parenting, Phase 3
I've worked as a writer in healthcare marketing for 25 years. I've written hundred of brochures, websites, and sales tools about dozens of different drugs. And when it comes to side effects, you really aren't allowed to say much. The FDA is very particular about overpromising tolerability. So most of the time you just say … Continue reading Generally Well Tolerated
Part 1: The Grand Tetons (this story has 35 photos) This past August, like most years, we hit the road for an epic family trip. We hiked Arches National Park in Utah, drove the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado, stayed in a bizarro AirBnb in Iowa, saw friends and family – just amazing. A major … Continue reading The Adventures of Alex (a story in 2 parts)
(See video at the end) It was a Saturday afternoon. I was in the living room teaching myself Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen on the guitar. Alex came down. “Dad. I have this lump.” Then he turned and showed me the back of his right thigh. “Woah." A fist-sized blob of flesh was pushing out against … Continue reading The Not Cancer Post
He told Jack first. We were all on a hike, they were up ahead of Shani and me, and he told Jack he was gay. Jack didn’t seem to think it was a big deal. Then he told Shani. She was in the living room. He came up, sat on the ottoman, told her, and … Continue reading The Coming Out Post
Maybe a year ago, Alex was looking at family photo albums and said: "Jack used to smile so much more when he was little." Then this past weekend, I heard Alex's best friend, Aidan, refer to Jack as: "The man who never smiles." Here's a pretty typical shot of Jack from a bike trip with … Continue reading My son doesn’t smile
If you’re looking for a two-day, one night backpacking trip – this is the perfect option. But be warned…day one is 6.5 miles and climbs 1945 feet of total elevation. Overall Run/Beecher Ridge If you’re looking for a companion, this is the perfect candidate. He is an experienced packer, in great physical shape, makes … Continue reading Packing Perfection
Alex and I were hanging out the other weekend and I mentioned it was almost April. “Blah,” he said. “It’s almost time for me not to like you.” “What?” I asked. “Baseball season. All you and Jack want to do is sit and watch boring baseball. All you talk about. This guy did blah blah … Continue reading The End of the Season
FLASHBACK: 1 YEAR AGO. THE 2016 GEOGRAPHY BEE. Alex was one of 12 kids in the Geo Bee last year. I thought he had a chance to win in. The boy is good at geography, regularly reads an Atlas for fun, traces maps and puts them up on his walls. And he studied some by taking geography … Continue reading 2017 Geo Bee
Alex’s goal for the AAU Diving Championships in Orlando: “Not come in last.” It turned out to be a wild and emotional experience. Alex and Shani had flown down to Orlando on Sunday. I flew in Monday night and after a bunch of flight delays, I slithered into the hotel room around 1 in the … Continue reading Diving on the Big Stage
A few things before I show you the video... Please note that this site has been changed to NuckolDIVE -- to celebrate Alex's extraordinary diving prowess this summer. He is in Orlando for the National Championships -- which means he is among the top 50 divers in his age group. I'm headed down tomorrow -- … Continue reading Superman’s Blanket
Location: The Appalachian Trail Distance: 6.5 miles to the Kirkridge Shelter and then back the next day Elevation: 1549 feet The competitors: Alex and Mike The question: Who will come out as the superior backpacker? Your narrator: Mike Nuckols Category 1: Pacing Yourself For better or worse, I approach life as a to-do list. Whether it's … Continue reading Backpacker Battle Royale: Many photos and 1 video
So…when it comes to 9-and-under boys diving in South Jersey, Alex dominates. In fact, for the past 2 years he has come in first in every single event he's entered. Except one. These may be may favorite photos of all time: Last year, Alex placed 4th in the 3-meter championships. As you can see, he … Continue reading To Balk or not to Balk
NuckolBall 