I try no to live under any illusions. Illusions are for magicians.

I'm reading about Rousseau and his Confessions, and basically (according to Paul Johnson), Rousseau was a hypocritical delusional liar who was totally insane (ahem) I mean mentally ill.

So I try to be honest with myself at all times. For one thing, it's a good way to know you're not insane (or chemically imbalanced). If you think your life is a certain way, and you're the only person who thinks it, you might want to re-examine a few things.

Know thyself. Or at least think about thyself once in a while.

It is in that vein that I consider everything in my life. What am I truly capable of? What should I not even consider? I'm not stunningly handsome, but I don't scare children. I'm not an Olympian, but I know my way around a batter's box. Never sell yourself short. But don't be delusional.

Like most things, it's about context. And we all live within numerous contexts: work, marriage, family, friends. Everything we do affects everyone in an ever diminishing circle. What I do affects my wife and son first and most significantly. That's as it should be.

So while I think I'm important, I have to remember to look at it objectively at all times (OK, once in a while, whenever possible.)

Penny is the one who makes the lists, doles out the chores and pays the bills. Penny is the motivator and the moral compass. Penny is the one who takes care of our son.

I'm the guy who brings in a little cash, changes the occasional diaper (and is a little too proud of himself for doing it) and gets stuff down from the higher shelf.

There's definitely room for improvement.