I’m not one to give advice, but here’s a hot tip for all you parents out there trying to get through Summer. Don’t just assume that the summer camp your kid is in will go right up until school/daycare/whatever starts.

We found ourselves in a bit of a predicament last Thursday when we picked up Jack from school and his teachers said, “See you in a month.” Whoops. Now, my wife and I (kinda) work full time, so it was, obviously, time for a good ol Summer Scramble.

Becuase we’ve been blessed with a nice kid who is minimal on the trademarked Tantrum Scale, we found some extra help. Next year we’ll hopefully be more prepared (probably not), but to all you out there who are white-knuckling it through August, I see you, I hear you, I am you.

Here’s the playlist, with a couple of exciting changes (and, suspense) some deletions.

In today’s issue:

-When it’s time to delete a song

-Is there ever a right time to spend money?

-I finally like the Olympics

Let it go.

There is a popular misconception about creating a playlist that it starts from a “feeling,” some place deep down that speaks to you and creates cohesion.

I think that can happen, but often the blueprint that starts in your head ends up as something else entirely. Case in point, as we started to add songs, I noticed a feature in Spotify that would recommend like-minded songs for your burgeoning list.

Being lazy and tired and a human being in 2024, I took Spotify up on this offer. Which is how the song “Fireflies” by Owl City ended up on JackJams.

I thought, “Ok well it doesn’t get any more benign than this, sure.” One click and we’re in business. But what I somehow still forget about toddlers is that the only thing they possess in this world is VERY LOUD OPINIONS. Now, Jack, god love ‘em, also comes from a father who cannot help but say every thought in his head. So picture that in the backseat, and then hear this stupid song come on the radio.

It was, uh, not a match made in playlist heaven. But it also felt like a big deal to remove the song. Wasn’t this whole thing supposed to be an evolution of Jack’s taste? Yes, but it’s also supposed to be based on things his mother and I also like. It’s supposed to hit that sweet spot. “Fireflies” was pleasing nobody. Either he asked for it to be skipped or I skipped it before it could even start.

I think even Mr. Owl City himself would be like, “Cool, just remove it.” So I finally did, and while it did feel like a big deal, it was also the right call. I’m sorry for connecting this to parenthood, but I must: when you’re doing this for the first time like we are, it feels imperative to stick to your guns. And you just want everything to work through sheer force of will. You don’t admit defeat, because you literally can’t.

But I think what we’ve learned is: if it’s broke, fix it. Whether that’s something as silly as a song on a playlist or some rule about dinner time. So take this as your sign: You know the right thing to do, so do it.

Spending money? In this economy?

I would love to hear from the community on this one: How do you and your family decide when you’re ready to make a big purchase? Whether that’s a remodel, a new appliance, a trip, etc.

Are you waiting until the last minute for repairs, or trying to get ahead of them? Do you decide the trip is worth it because of what it gives you and not what it takes from your bank account?

In our house, we seem to talk and talk and talk, and then one motivating thing happens and we decide instantly. That’s how we moved to Connecticut, for instance.

So please, hit reply to this email or hit me up at [email protected] and let me know how y’all make the costly, but probably necessary, money decisions.

Gold medals for everyone

The last sentence I ever thought I’d write: Peacock really nailed their Olympics coverage.

As Reagan said to my sister last night, we are the world’s biggest Olympics fans between 8 and 9:15 every single night. Weird sports are so fun, everyone is so beautiful, and the announcers are all SO MEAN.

I’ve found myself mesmerized by shot put, my wife knows everything about surfing now, and I saw a guy from Louisiana representing Sweden break like 9 world records on the pole vault. I don’t really find myself caring about the USA part of it, although our announcers obviously focus on that. It’s sort of like that, “You’re all winners!!” meme, and can’t we all use a little bit of that right now?

There’s only a few days left, and if you haven’t tuned in, just pop it on, doesn’t matter what’s playing. I guarantee you’ll also feel like a winner afterwards.

That’s it.

One programming note: we’ll be taking next week off as we are visiting friends in Cape Cod and I expect it to be a little bit of a hectic week.

If you enjoyed this edition, please send it to anyone you think would also get a kick out of someone making fun of the song “Fireflies” in 2024.

See you in a couple weeks.