dadnauts

⚽ The Toonverse Chronicles — Week 3

Matchday Magic: Rituals I’m Passing Down

Before my kid even said “Dada,” they could recognize the black-and-white stripes. Football isn’t just a game in this house—it’s rhythm, tradition, and home.

This week I’m diving into the matchday rituals that shape our Sundays—and the little ways I’m passing them down.

🎽 The Dress Code:

We both wear our kits. Doesn’t matter if we’re watching on TV or just heading to the park—if it’s a matchday, we’re geared up. (Bonus points for matching socks.)

🎧 The Soundtrack:

We blast “Local hero” before kick-off, always. It sets the tone. Even if naptime means we miss kick-off, the anthem plays.

🍿 The Snacks:

Matchday snacks matter. My little one doesn’t care about kick-off—but they do care that “crispy football day things” are on the menu.

🗣 The Chants (Modified):

I’ve edited some terrace chants into family-friendly versions. Turns out singing “Toon Toon, bottle of milk!” goes down surprisingly well.

⚽ Full-Time Thoughts:

It’s more than goals and scores. It’s the moments—tiny, intentional, repeatable—that build legacy. And if my kid grows up associating NUFC with love, laughter, and shared time? That’s the real win.

🚀 Mission Logs — Week 3

🚀 Mission Logs — Week 3

Log 003: The Day I misplaced My Patience (Then Found It)

They don’t tell you about the quiet little fractures in patience that happen over the course of a long day. One toy tossed. One cup spilled. One shouted “NO!” too many.

This week’s log isn’t shiny. It’s not a win. It’s just true.

📍 The Incident:

The baby wouldn’t nap. The toddler was pushing every button. I snapped. Not dramatically—but enough. I used a sharper tone than I meant. I closed the door harder than necessary. Then came the guilt spiral.

🔧 The Reflection:

I’ve learned that patience isn’t a constant trait. It’s a resource. It drains. It refills. Some days it’s scarce. That doesn’t make me a bad parent—it makes me human.

🧰 What Helped Me Reset:

– A breathing pause in the kitchen, 30 seconds, hands on the counter.

– A voice note to myself, just venting.

– Saying sorry—to the toddler, and to myself.

🪐 Final Transmission:

You’ll lose your cool sometimes. That doesn’t mean the mission’s a failure. It means you’re doing the hard work of showing up—again and again—with love, even when it’s cracked around the edges.

🧙 Wands, Wookie’s & Wipeout’s — Week 3

Why the Pram Is Basically a Star ship

We don’t talk enough about how parenting gear is basically sci-fi kit. That pram you’re pushing? It’s a Starfleet-worthy cruiser. The baby monitor? Interstellar surveillance. Snacks hidden in every pocket? You’re basically smuggling supplies through a galactic outpost.

This week, I’m sharing the cosmic crossover between day-to-day parenting and intergalactic exploration—because honestly, they feel the same sometimes.

🚀 Starship Dad: Field Manual

– Navigation Issues: You will hit every raised paving slab. The Force is not strong in aisle width design.

– Fuel Check: Snacks are energy units. When depleted, tantrums initiate faster than hyperspace jumps.

– Co-Pilot Status: Your kid is not “along for the ride.” They are issuing demands, dropping cargo, and questioning your mission competence. Constantly.

🛰 Why It Matters:

Reframing the everyday into something extraordinary keeps me sane. When I call the changing bag “the tactical rig,” it feels more fun. When I view a walk to the shop as a recon mission, I’m less bored and more…invested.

🧡 Final Log:

Parenting isn’t about escaping into fantasy—it’s about seeing the story in the mess. And sometimes, that story involves a Jedi cape and raisins in your shoe.

🔧 Dadnaut Toolkit — Week 3

Micro-Missions: Getting Stuff Done in the Chaos

If I had a credit for every time I said, “I’ll just do this later,” I could probably fund a toddler-free writing retreat on Endor. But when you’re navigating life with kids, “later” is often a fantasy—unless you break tasks into micro-missions.

This week, I want to share a small shift that’s changed how I approach productivity: doing less, but more often.

👨‍🚀 What Are Micro-Missions?

They’re tiny, focused tasks that take 5–15 minutes max. Enough to feel like progress, but not enough to wake the beast (aka napping child). Instead of thinking “write blog post,” I write one paragraph. Instead of “clean the kitchen,” I do one surface. Momentum over magnitude.

🪐 Tools That Help:

– The “Naptime Sprint” Sticky Notes: I pre-plan 3–4 small missions I can do if naptime happens. If it doesn’t? I still feel mentally ready.

– Audio Notes for Blog Ideas: I’ve started using voice memos while loading laundry or pushing the pram. Goldmine of half-thought genius.

– Time-Coding the Day: I loosely block the day into zones (morning chaos, afternoon slump, post-bedtime potential). It helps me know when to try things—and when to let go.

Harvey – The Best of Boys 2011-2025

Harvey was more than a dog—he was a shadow, and a show-stealer. Loyal to his family every step of the way, Harvey’s life was one filled with love, laughter, and unbreakable companionship. From caravan holidays where he effortlessly became the centre of attention, to the quiet comfort of following me around the house, Harvey was always exactly where he was meant to be: by my side.

His gentle presence and unwavering devotion made the ordinary extraordinary. Whether trotting through caravan sites or curled up at home, Harvey reminded everyone that true greatness lies in love given freely and moments shared deeply.

He leaves behind paw prints not just on the carpet, but on hearts. Sleep well, Harvey—you were truly the very best of boys.

NUFC in the last month June 1st to July 15th

Can I just say as a club Newcastle united are absolutely cooking btw just check out all of these announcements and highlights from the past month and a half!!

Men’s Team Highlights

Dan Burn was voted Player of the Season for 2024/25. Alexander Isak was nominated for the PFA Players’ Player of the Year.

Premier League fixtures for 2025/26 were released, with a blockbuster opener against Aston Villa on August 16.

Pre-season friendlies announced: Celtic, Espanyol, Arsenal, and Atlético Madrid.

Transfer activity: In: Anthony Elanga (£55m from Nottingham Forest) and Antonio Cordero (free from Málaga).

Out: Lloyd Kelly (permanent move to Juventus), Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, and John Ruddy (all released)2.

Behind-closed-doors friendly: Newcastle beat Carlisle United 4–0, with academy players and Joelinton scoring.

Hugo Ekitike pursuit: Ongoing negotiations for a potential record signing.

Women’s Team Highlights

Back-to-back promotions confirmed; now competing in the Women’s Championship or WLS 2 for another season.

New signings: Jemma Purfield (former Southampton full-back). Molly Pike (goalscoring midfielder from Southampton). Amy Andrews (striker from Durham). Deanna Cooper (ex-Chelsea and Reading defender). Jordan Nobbs (England legend) linked with a potential marquee signing.

Season tickets for 2025/26 went on sale and we got 4

Club-Wide Updates

Retained list published: Callum Wilson, John Ruddy, and Jamal Lewis released.

Mark Gillespie retained via contract option.

Lloyd Kelly’s loan to Juventus made permanent.

Paul Mitchell, sporting director, confirmed departure after securing Cordero’s signing.

New Head of Football Strategy: Jack Ross appointed.

Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup win celebrated as part of club’s strongest season in decades.

We aren’t even finished !!

HOWAY THE LADS!!!

HOWAY THE LASSES!!!

🛠 The Hobby Compass: Keeping You Centred in the Chaos

There’s a moment every parent knows: the house is a mess, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and your to-do list looks like a boss battle you’re under-leveled for. In those moments, hobbies aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.

This week, I recalibrated my “Hobby Compass.” It’s a mental tool I’ve started using to stay grounded. For me, it points toward sketching silhouettes, gaming trend analysis, and building the Dadnauts universe. For others, it might be painting minis, restoring old consoles, or writing fanfic at 2 a.m. Whatever it is, it’s not selfish—it’s survival.

 Blog Post #2: Indie Games, AI Tools, and the New Shape of Gaming

While major studios wrestle with identity crises, indie developers are quietly seizing the moment. The creative freedom, agility, and community-first ethos of indie games are becoming the very attributes the industry desperately needs.

Survival Through Agility

Indie studios, typically staffed by fewer than 20 people, aren’t burdened by billion-pound budgets or quarterly shareholder reports. They’re adaptable. They pivot fast. In 2025, that’s proven invaluable.

With Unity and Unreal introducing AI-powered tools, developers can now:
– Generate NPC dialogue at scale
– Automate quest design and environment textures
– Test for bugs using simulation models

This tech doesn’t replace creativity—it amplifies it. Solo developers can now build worlds that rival early-era Bethesda, while small teams iterate faster than ever before. AI lets indie devs punch way above their weight class, and players are noticing.

Streaming as Discovery, Not Just Distribution

The rise of services like Twitch Discovery Feed and YouTube’s Indie Spotlight has changed how people find games. It’s no longer about hitting Steam’s front page—it’s about being streamer-approved, community-hyped, and TikTok-viral.

A 2025 GDC survey showed that:
– 72% of players discovered indie games through streamed gameplay
– 38% bought a game directly after seeing one short-form clip
– 60% of streamers preferred showcasing indie titles for their novelty and accessibility

This model benefits devs and players alike. It’s not just about watching—it’s community-building. Indies are crafting Discord-first ecosystems, launching closed betas, and using feedback loops to co-create with players, rather than just market to them.

Industry Implications

All this points to a new era—one where niche is powerful, and creativity trumps scale. Here’s how it could unfold:

Instead of waiting five years for a massive AAA release, players are warming to shorter, more experimental games that evolve through player interaction. Think Baldur’s Gate 3 meets Stardew Valley, but developed in chapters over time.

—

 Indie Is the Future?

Absolutely. While the AAA segment tightens its belt, indie devs are breaking theirs to serve dessert—inventive mechanics, soulful storytelling, and fan-first engagement. The role of AI and streaming isn’t to dominate; it’s to enable creators, connect players, and flatten the playing field.

If this is the future of gaming, it looks a lot more fun—and maybe a bit more human.

⚽ The Toonverse Chronicles — Week 2

Matchday Magic: Rituals I’m Passing Down

Before my kid even said “Dada,” they could recognize the black-and-white stripes. Football isn’t just a game in this house—it’s rhythm, tradition, and home.

This week I’m diving into the matchday rituals that shape our Sundays—and the little ways I’m passing them down.

 The Dress Code:
We both wear our kits. Doesn’t matter if we’re watching on TV or just heading to the park—if it’s a matchday, we’re geared up. (Bonus points for matching socks.)

 The Soundtrack:
We blast “Going Home” before kickoff, always. It sets the tone. Even if naptime means we miss kickoff, the anthem plays.

 The Snacks:
Matchday snacks matter. My little one doesn’t care about kickoff—but they do care that “crispy football day things” are on the menu.

 The Chants (Modified):
I’ve edited some terrace chants into family-friendly versions. Turns out singing “Toon Toon, bottle of milk!” goes down surprisingly well.

⚽ Full-Time Thoughts:
It’s more than goals and scores. It’s the moments—tiny, intentional, repeatable—that build legacy. And if my kid grows up associating NUFC with love, laughter, and shared time? That’s the real win.

📖 Log 002: Mission Interrupted (By a Teething Crisis)

It was supposed to be a smooth night. Routine check-ins. Maybe a draft or two for Dadnaut Toolkit. A cheeky scroll through gaming updates. But somewhere between 02:03 and “just five more minutes,” the mission was compromised. Teething had struck—and it didn’t care about plans, productivity, or proper sleep cycles.

The little Cadetnaut was wailing like a malfunctioning alarm system. Red cheeks. Gum gnashing. The kind of cry that bypasses the brain and hits straight in the soul. And so, the Dadnaut was summoned—not to build, write, or tweak graphics—but to soothe, rock, and whisper calm into the chaos. Teething isn’t just a parenting milestone.

It’s an emotional endurance test. You start with optimism: Maybe it’s just wind. Then denial: It can’t be teething already, right? Followed swiftly by acceptance: Yes, we live here now—in the land of soaked muslins and fridge-chilled teething rings. The mission changed course. Instead of conquering the cosmic challenges of brand expansion, I found myself Googling “can babies overdose on teething gel?” while holding a half-chewed giraffe toy and praying for sleep like it was a deity. But here’s the twist: in the midst of this bleary-eyed rerouting, something realigned. I wasn’t just interrupted—I was needed. Not as the strategist or designer, but as the comforter. The constant. The one who makes everything feel safe when it’s all going haywire.

So, yes—Dadnaut’s mission was momentarily derailed. The blog drafts stayed untouched. Notifications piled up. But the comfort given? That mattered more than any productivity metric. Because this role isn’t just about building universes—it’s about grounding them. The post-tears nap that followed felt like a victory. Not loud. Not flashy. But real. Mission Log 003 concludes: Sometimes parenting demands a pivot. Sometimes the galaxy can wait while you hold a tiny hero through their first battle. And when the cries turn to calm and sleep returns like a lost signal—well, that’s a win worthy of any star chart.