"Hey, Dad" is the name of my new advice column that will tackle the issues and problems parents and kids face each day. You'll find advice that's sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, always to the point and straight from the heart, but from a man's point of view. After 55 years, I have been around the block more than a few times. I have seen a lot of things, done a lot of things, or at least have some knowledge about a lot of things. I have two grown sons, both graduated college and the youngest one is going on to become an Optometrist. I have been married almost 31 years to the same wonderful woman. I have been a Bakersfield resident off and on since 1967 so I know this town very well. I spent 4 years in the Air Force and graduated from Cal State Long Beach at the age of 32. Write me here on my blog with questions or problems you're having with your child, parent, spouse or pet rat and I'll give them my full attention. Twice a month, I'll select some choice letters to run in our Northwest and Southwest publications as space allows. Life isn't easy, nobody ever said it would be, but there's no need to go it alone. "Hey, Dad," is written by contributing columnist Dwayne Ardis.