I'm not big on inspirational quotes but saw one recently from Archbishop Oscar Romero that said, "Aspire not to have more but to be more." I can get behind that.

I hail from a long line of published authors. Two of my uncles, my father, several cousins. Truth be told, I am probably only the 12th best writer in my own extended family. But I’m gunning to unseat #11. #11 is looking soft these days and ripe for the taking.

I was in the office next to a co-worker who is working on some tech-heavy special project. At one point he said into the phone, "Is there a timeline on those deliverables" and man am I glad I don't have his job.

When I meet new people, I'm going to start saying, "How could they cut the power, man? They're animals!" and if they understand the reference, we're likely compatible and if they don't, I'm just going to move on to the next person without apology or explanation.

“There was a sad fellow over on a bar stool talking to the bartender, who was polishing a glass and listening with that plastic smile people wear when they are trying not to scream.” Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye.

My novel Hard Town comes out in paperback tomorrow. My understanding of the book business is that this new format will be both cheaper and lighter than the hardcover.

True story--I was in the city today and a passerby said I looked like Matt Damon. I nodded, pleased by this comparison, the image of Jason Bourne flashing thru my head but maybe he meant Matt Damon in The Informant.

Sometimes you'll have a preliminary hearing scheduled where you get all gussied up in your business attire & prep for the case, but it doesn't happen b/c the defendant simply refuses to go to court. Perhaps it conflicts with his big plans of staring blankly at his cell wall.

"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places." -Hemingway

Was at a house on a case. A kid there was playing with a toy firefighter badge. I showed him my actual police one & he looked at it politely. I asked him if he wanted to be a cop or a firefighter and he said firefighter. Ok, hydrantheads, you've won this round but it ain't over.

I just heard a teenager, who may have been my daughter, say, "I’m looking so chopped right now but by this weekend I’m gonna pop off." I believe I can roughly figure this out by context, but if there are any certified translators who can decipher this for sure, let me know.

If your job is a heavy lift, look for what's restorative. For me, it's my dog's happy bounce when he knows he's about to get a walk. The sound of my wife's laughter. 15's uncommonly wise sayings. 13 streaking down the soccer field. You gotta find the things that carry you.

Ever walked out of a movie in the theater? I only recall doing it once, for 1995's The Basketball Diaries, the Leonardo DiCaprio film. Strangely, I remained for the entirety of 88's Ernest Saves Christmas w/ Jim Varney. I was only 15 at the time but still hard to defend that one.

Was wearing this shirt at work and a 30-year-old colleague asked me who Atticus Finch was. "Then shall i turn my face, and hear one bird sing terribly afar in the lost lands." -E.E. cummings

i hate crime

As a lawman, spouse, and father, I do periodic self-assessments to determine my fitness for these roles. After much reflection, I've determined I have but one weakness, but it is crippling. It is for Crumbl Cookies. I cannot stop. Just had my daughter's leftovers for breakfast.

Just started listening to Ken Jaworowski's What About the Bodies. The last sentence of the first chapter makes it clear this one is gonna be a banger. I'm all in.

One of my daughters asked why I don't have abs, given I'm at the gym a lot. I told her because I'm 52 and like steak. I'd be suspicious of a fella my age who has abs, unless it's a firefighter, b/c they have all day to work out and drink lentil smoothies on the taxpayer dime.