Being a parent is great.  It’s also tough stuff.  But, ultimately, it’s a journey that you go on with your child wherein you learn a lot about your child, the World and yourself.

In this last week, this is what I’ve learned:

1. Being a dad means being confronted with your own hypocrisy on a daily basis.

2. Being a dad means believing every one of your child’s screw-ups is your fault, but, at the same time, saying out loud “He didn’t get that from me!!”

3. Being a dad means being horrified and upset when your young son gets a fixed-glaze, open-mouthed stare when watching tv, but, at the same time, being filled with pride to know he’s just like you.

4. Being a dad means that every dollar I spend on a “discretionary” item (e.g., taxi, a drink, the extra espresso) involves an internal debate about whether that purchase is going to prevent us from paying for college.

5. Being a dad means that sometimes you need quick and immediate pain relief and aspirin just won’t cut it.  That’s when you go with the scotch, bourbon or vodka — chicken soup for people over 21.

6. Being a dad means that every so often you find yourself staring at your child and wondering why are they letting me raise this person?  Don’t they know how flawed I am?

7. Being a dad means having to confront the reality that sometimes you have to say “No” even when you want to say “Yes.”