So I took The Chicken to the pool at my health club tonight.

While swimming, I was again creeped out by the Asian stretchibitionist guy who stares at me. I didn't mind so much today because while he was staring at me, I was staring at that blonde in the bikini sitting at the edge of the whirlpool. While all this staring was happening, Chicken was trying not to drown.

I made up for my neglect a little later with some solid gold advice.

I take my duties as a father seriously. The Bunny teaches him about sensitivity, understanding, and the importance of picking up his socks. I teach him about respect, discipline, and the way stuff works.

Tonight was a good night.

We swam for a while, then I went to sit in the whirlpool for a few minutes while he sat at my elbow. The blonde was still there dangling her feet in the water. (Bonus!) I sat back and closed my eyes a moment while the jets worked their magic. I opened my eyes to find Chicken trying to stuff his swim goggles into a hole in one of the plastic filter covers.

Me: Whoa, whoa, whoa! What are you doing?

Chicken: Sticking my goggles in this hole.

Me: Why?

Chicken: I don't know.

Me: Do you know where that hole leads?

Chicken: No.

Me: That leads into the filters and pumps that make the whirlpool work. If you'd managed to get your goggles in there, something would probably break. And then we'd both be in trouble.

Chicken: Sorry, Dad. I didn't know.

Me: And that's all the more reason for you to not do it.

Chicken: Sorry, Dad.

Me: It's ok, Buddy. There's an important lesson in this.

Chicken: What, Dad?

Me: This is very important.

Chicken: Ok, Dad.

Me: This is advice you can carry with you your whole life and apply to a lot of different things.

Chicken: Ok, Dad.

Me: Are you listening?

Chicken: Yeah, Dad.

Me: Never stick your stuff into strange holes.

Chicken: Ok, Dad.