I have discovered that one of the benefits of having teenagers in my home is that many of the gifts they get are things that I can enjoy playing with. Consider, for example, my son?s Nintendo Game Cube that he received last Christmas. Thanks to this gift, I have been regularly enjoying the thrill of street racing in Need For Speed ? Underground, and searching for lost artifacts while shooting and blowing up space aliens in Metroid Prime (episode one). Not only has all of this video game playing been fun, it has also helped me to be a better father as I learn to share and let my son have a turn on his gift.

This electronic diversion has also been a bit of an eye opener for me because it is another example of a new trend in my life ? namely my children trying to teach me things. Yes, I hate to admit it (please don?t tell my kids this) but increasingly they have the upper hand over me in certain skills. Again, consider my playing video games while my son is watching me. In my mind I can see that . . .

Recently, my wife planned a date night out for the two of us: dinner and then a concert featuring a jazz pianist she particularly enjoys. When the actual night arrived, we made the hour-long drive to the town where the performance was, picked up our tickets at the theatre, and then made our way to a restaurant we had noticed as we arrived into town.

Called the Copper Grill, we arrived at the restaurant doors with healthy appetites and even healthier expectations of a wonderful meal together. Waiting for us, just inside the door were two smartly dressed women - one of whom was holding a clipboard. The holder of the clipboard delivered a marvelous greeting to us, which we enthusiastically returned. Things were looking good for a nice meal and excellent service in a friendly restaurant.