Things sure have changed.
Earlier today I was driving with my kids on the way home from picking up Sydney from school. We often listen to the radio while in the car, and we always try to find "good" songs to listen to. Or, I sneak in some sports radio before the realize it's not just a commercial! But as we closed in on home I switched the channel to a station that plays light rock and I heard the unmistakable sound of a guitar being struck in an unforgettable tone. It was the first note of "Beat It" by Michael Jackson. Just hearing that one note brought back a really cool memory for me. I was a really big Michael Jackson fan when I was younger(and still am if you must know.) Now, I don't agree with a lot of his behavior, but that's beside the point. I loved his music, and hearing that song brought back the sense of excitement I would get whenever that song would come on the radio. In today's world you can pretty much hear any song you want, whenever you want to. Back when I was growing up you were resigned to hearing it on the radio, or if you were lucky enough to have bought the tape(8-track, or later cassette.) I guess you could get REALLY lucky and record the song on your blank cassette tape and hear the grainy version of it and everything else that was going on in your house during the recording of the song. But it wasn't the same. So like I said, I would get really excited when "Beat It," or any other song that I really liked would come on the radio, and hearing it recently got me to thinking.
What do kids like today?
I usually don't listen to Top 40 radio channels anymore due to the fact that I can't stand what I hear on them. I know that sounds like something an old dude would say, but it's true. I just don't hear anything that I find tasteful anymore. A lot of the music nowadays is heavily tilted towards sex, or drugs, or violence. I just don't understand why that is either. My daughter, again she is only four, made the comment that she really liked Lady GaGa, and my wife and I put the kibosh on that right away. We told her that there is only one of her songs that she is allowed to listen to. I just don't find it appropriate for a child to listen to what Lady GaGa has to say. And the thing is, Lady GaGa is not alone in her message. It's everywhere. It goes back to a post I did a while back in that we as a society are desensitized to what we see and hear anymore. Kids don't know any different, so they think that hearing some song with sexual innuendo is the norm, and that it's okay to hear. I have a hard time accepting that. We purchased a "Phineas and Ferb" soundtrack CD and we listen to that a lot anymore. I know every song word for word because we listen to it so much, and I might be getting a little sick of it, but it's better than subjecting my kids to the crap that's out there now.
Nothing original.
The biggest problem I have with the music today is that it seems like none of it is original anymore. No one has new ideas. They take older songs and remake them with different lyrics. In essence, ruining the song! It's like everything has been done already, so they just steal older artist's ideas and call them their own. I will say this about Lady GaGa, I complain about there being nothing original, but she sure is. At least she has that going for her.
Alright, I'll come down off of my rant now and let everyone get back to enjoying their own taste in music, weather it new or old. I have however included this link to one of my favorite songs of all time, and I hope you enjoy it. I also hope that there are songs out there that take you back like this one did for me.
Thanks, and have a great day.
Sydney & Denny
September at the Park
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Concussions
It really hurts!
I would like to talk about a topic that is really in the news right now, and it's something that I hope never comes up in my life. Concussions.
I looked up the definition and causes of concussions on WebMD and found an overview of the ailment. I know this much, it doesn't matter what any website, or medical journal, or even an actual doctor says, a concussion sucks! I've had at least two and both times it was a really weird feeling.
Well, like I said, concussions are really big in the news right now with the NFL trying to crack down on the hits that cause head trauma during their games. There was a huge article in Sports Illustrated this week about this subject that I really took to heart. Like I said earlier, I have had at least two concussions of my own and I can't imagine being one of those guys that have had quite a few of them. Guys like Steve Young, or Troy Aikman, who basically had to retire because of concussions. What does that do to your brain after multiple concussions? Well, there is research now that says it affects short term memory, can lead to dementia later in life, and cause ALS or severe depression. None of those are good things. I don't think that I'm at risk of any of those things due to the two concussions I had. Both were isolated incidents and the second was not a result of having had the first one. Research shows that after having a concussion a person is more apt to have a second, or even more. I am pretty sure that wasn't the case for me. Both of mine were due to incredibly hard hits directly to my head. The first one, I was playing JV basketball and dove for a loose ball. When I turned with the ball to pass it, a guy was running by and his knee drilled me in the right temple. I was kind of out of it, and saw fuzzy out of one eye for the rest of the game. I never came out of the game or even told anyone about it. The second came my senior year of football and the last game of my high school career. I had decided that since it was my last game, I was going to hit every guy I saw, as hard as I could. Well, we punted to the other team and I was running down to cover it when I seen a guy on the other team ripe for me to just light him up. That's what I did, only it didn't work out so well for me. I don't remember anything after the hit except hearing the poor guy screaming. Turns out, the force that I hit him with caused him to snap his leg as well as knocking me out. Of course I never left the field or even realized that I was concussed. I remember thinking during the game that I didn't remember putting my contacts in that morning. I then thought that was a pretty weird thing to be thinking about during a football game, and then realized that I didn't remember even the fact that I was playing a football game!
"You just got your bell rung."
Now this last game of my high school career was twenty years ago(HOLY CRAP, I can't believe it's been that long!) There wasn't the awareness of concussions at the time, and that's kind of scary. I told my coach that I didn't remember the first half during our halftime meeting, and he told me he'd fill me in the next day! No one thought that maybe that's not a good thing that I didn't remember stuff. Well, I was fine(in fact I had the best half of football of my career in the second half. I scored two TDs and intercepted a pass,) and I haven't suffered any effects ever. But, my point is, I could have. And, here is where my real point comes up. I'm a parent now and I worry that this could happen to my kids. I really hope that my kids both want to play sports, and I especially want my son to play football. However, I want them safe and healthy more than I want anything else. I want to know that if they do play sports their safety is put first by their coaches, and by themselves. I know that if someone would have tried to take me out of either of the games I spoke about, I would have said "NO WAY I'M COMING OUT!!!" It wasn't the "manly" thing to do. I'd like to think that if my parents had known either time what was going on, they would have made the choice to make me sit out. But, I did tell them after both incidents what had happened, and they never took me for any follow up care. I don't fault them one bit because like I said, there wasn't the awareness about concussions twenty years ago that there is today. I was told that I had gotten my bell rung, and I would be fine. There are some people(maybe even my wife!) who would argue that the concussions have caused me to be a little off my rocker now. Heck, maybe they are why I am rambling on so long with this blog post! I guess we would only know if I had a CT Scan.
Error on the side of caution.
During the football season last year, Tim Tebow was knocked out of a game with a concussion. TebowTebow's parents in the situation. Should they step in and say he shouldn't play? Should his coach make the call, or should the doctors? Personally, if I were his father, he would have sit out. Not even a question in my mind. I'm telling you, if Denny plays football and has concussion symptoms, he's not playing again until he is symptom free for at least a week. I'm not a doctor by any means, but I know this much, my son's long term health is way more important that ANY game he could ever play. I'm probably the biggest lover of sports out there, and I still say that I would never put the future of my kid in jeopardy for anything. If I had been Tebow's father, he would have sit out the next game. He has made it to the NFL, he seems to be fine. But, what if? Isn't that the biggest question when it comes to your kid?
Okay, I'm down off my soapbox now, and I'd like to tell Big Daddy Paul congratulations on his team, the San Fransisco Giants, winning the World Series tonight. I am sure him and his son are partying pretty hard right about now. I would also like to send my condolences to Papa K, whose team, the Texas Rangers, just lost to the Giants. I'm sure he's fairly upset right now, and I surely understand. Baseball is not the most important thing in life, but being passionate about things you love, as those two guys area about their teams, is pretty important.
I hope the World Series turned out how you wanted. Have a great night and I look forward to your comments on my thoughts about concussions.
I would like to talk about a topic that is really in the news right now, and it's something that I hope never comes up in my life. Concussions.
I looked up the definition and causes of concussions on WebMD and found an overview of the ailment. I know this much, it doesn't matter what any website, or medical journal, or even an actual doctor says, a concussion sucks! I've had at least two and both times it was a really weird feeling.
Well, like I said, concussions are really big in the news right now with the NFL trying to crack down on the hits that cause head trauma during their games. There was a huge article in Sports Illustrated this week about this subject that I really took to heart. Like I said earlier, I have had at least two concussions of my own and I can't imagine being one of those guys that have had quite a few of them. Guys like Steve Young, or Troy Aikman, who basically had to retire because of concussions. What does that do to your brain after multiple concussions? Well, there is research now that says it affects short term memory, can lead to dementia later in life, and cause ALS or severe depression. None of those are good things. I don't think that I'm at risk of any of those things due to the two concussions I had. Both were isolated incidents and the second was not a result of having had the first one. Research shows that after having a concussion a person is more apt to have a second, or even more. I am pretty sure that wasn't the case for me. Both of mine were due to incredibly hard hits directly to my head. The first one, I was playing JV basketball and dove for a loose ball. When I turned with the ball to pass it, a guy was running by and his knee drilled me in the right temple. I was kind of out of it, and saw fuzzy out of one eye for the rest of the game. I never came out of the game or even told anyone about it. The second came my senior year of football and the last game of my high school career. I had decided that since it was my last game, I was going to hit every guy I saw, as hard as I could. Well, we punted to the other team and I was running down to cover it when I seen a guy on the other team ripe for me to just light him up. That's what I did, only it didn't work out so well for me. I don't remember anything after the hit except hearing the poor guy screaming. Turns out, the force that I hit him with caused him to snap his leg as well as knocking me out. Of course I never left the field or even realized that I was concussed. I remember thinking during the game that I didn't remember putting my contacts in that morning. I then thought that was a pretty weird thing to be thinking about during a football game, and then realized that I didn't remember even the fact that I was playing a football game!
"You just got your bell rung."
Now this last game of my high school career was twenty years ago(HOLY CRAP, I can't believe it's been that long!) There wasn't the awareness of concussions at the time, and that's kind of scary. I told my coach that I didn't remember the first half during our halftime meeting, and he told me he'd fill me in the next day! No one thought that maybe that's not a good thing that I didn't remember stuff. Well, I was fine(in fact I had the best half of football of my career in the second half. I scored two TDs and intercepted a pass,) and I haven't suffered any effects ever. But, my point is, I could have. And, here is where my real point comes up. I'm a parent now and I worry that this could happen to my kids. I really hope that my kids both want to play sports, and I especially want my son to play football. However, I want them safe and healthy more than I want anything else. I want to know that if they do play sports their safety is put first by their coaches, and by themselves. I know that if someone would have tried to take me out of either of the games I spoke about, I would have said "NO WAY I'M COMING OUT!!!" It wasn't the "manly" thing to do. I'd like to think that if my parents had known either time what was going on, they would have made the choice to make me sit out. But, I did tell them after both incidents what had happened, and they never took me for any follow up care. I don't fault them one bit because like I said, there wasn't the awareness about concussions twenty years ago that there is today. I was told that I had gotten my bell rung, and I would be fine. There are some people(maybe even my wife!) who would argue that the concussions have caused me to be a little off my rocker now. Heck, maybe they are why I am rambling on so long with this blog post! I guess we would only know if I had a CT Scan.
Error on the side of caution.
During the football season last year, Tim Tebow was knocked out of a game with a concussion. TebowTebow's parents in the situation. Should they step in and say he shouldn't play? Should his coach make the call, or should the doctors? Personally, if I were his father, he would have sit out. Not even a question in my mind. I'm telling you, if Denny plays football and has concussion symptoms, he's not playing again until he is symptom free for at least a week. I'm not a doctor by any means, but I know this much, my son's long term health is way more important that ANY game he could ever play. I'm probably the biggest lover of sports out there, and I still say that I would never put the future of my kid in jeopardy for anything. If I had been Tebow's father, he would have sit out the next game. He has made it to the NFL, he seems to be fine. But, what if? Isn't that the biggest question when it comes to your kid?
Okay, I'm down off my soapbox now, and I'd like to tell Big Daddy Paul congratulations on his team, the San Fransisco Giants, winning the World Series tonight. I am sure him and his son are partying pretty hard right about now. I would also like to send my condolences to Papa K, whose team, the Texas Rangers, just lost to the Giants. I'm sure he's fairly upset right now, and I surely understand. Baseball is not the most important thing in life, but being passionate about things you love, as those two guys area about their teams, is pretty important.
I hope the World Series turned out how you wanted. Have a great night and I look forward to your comments on my thoughts about concussions.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Disney Vacation
It is the DREAM!
My wife and I have been talking for some time now about the possibility of taking our kids to Disney World in Florida. We have looked at it from all sides of the issue. We both know one thing for certain. We want our kids to have that experience while they are young. I see all of these commercials for Disney vacations and they show the moment when the parents tell the kids that they are going to Disney. The kids freak out with happiness, and that's a moment in time that I want. I want to see the excitement on my kids face, in their eyes, when I tell them we are going to what can only be described as a little piece of Heaven for young kids. I think every parent wants to see that type of joy on the face of their kids. That moment is one of my dreams in life.
The issues.
There are a couple of issues when it comes to bringing that dream to being a reality. My wife and I have tried to decide if our kids are at the right age for a trip to Disney or not. My oldest is four and the younger boy is two. I am of the opinion that my daughter would do okay with a day at the Magic Kingdom, but my boy would have a hard time. We have a hard time containing him at the grocery store, so I know there is no way he would behave anything like a human being if we were there. I sometimes use a stroller just to keep him from running all over the place in normal every day events. I just know he would run away and never be heard from again. Not a thought I like to think about. Plus, I know that we would have to have a stroller at Disney because it's too much to expect a little kid like that to walk all day and not get tired. It's too much to expect ME to walk around Disney all day and be able to stand up at night, but I don't think they make strollers big enough for me. Nor do I think my wife is strong enough to push my fat ass around a theme park all day. So, that's one of the issues we are struggling with.
The next, and biggest, issue is how we can afford the trip financially. I've stated before in this blog that money is not just flowing out of our pockets here in our house. We, like many American families at this point, do not have one of those magical trees in our backyard that grows money. It would be nice to go out and pick a couple of twenties off whenever I needed, but alas, it is not to be. So, seeing how we have trouble always keeping ahead of our bills, fitting what I have been told is an extremely expensive vacation into our already stretched thin budget, is almost an impossibility. I have done A LOT OF RESEARCH on this topic however. What I have found is that it can be done. They have a lot of vacation packages at Disney that are actually quite affordable. Plus, they allow you to make payments on whatever package you choose. I'm not going to get into the numbers or the offered packages and payment arrangements, but I think we could find a way to make it happen. The thing is, finding the money to put the down payment down on the vacation of our dreams. My wife and I have talked about taking our income tax refund and using that, and then paying on the vacation for a year before we go. That leads us back to the first issue. When is the appropriate age to take the kids? By answering this question we will know when it is that we want to start making a year's worth of payments. Make sense?
I would like to get your thoughts on the appropriate age to take kids to Disney, or any stories you have to share about a trip you've taken there. Any advise on the best way to go about this sort of adventure would be great as well.
I will say this, we have decided that if we were to ever come into a large sum of money(meaning hitting the lottery) we would immediately take off for the Magic Kingdom. To heck with the ages of the kids!
Thanks again, and I hope to hear some really cool Disney stories.
My wife and I have been talking for some time now about the possibility of taking our kids to Disney World in Florida. We have looked at it from all sides of the issue. We both know one thing for certain. We want our kids to have that experience while they are young. I see all of these commercials for Disney vacations and they show the moment when the parents tell the kids that they are going to Disney. The kids freak out with happiness, and that's a moment in time that I want. I want to see the excitement on my kids face, in their eyes, when I tell them we are going to what can only be described as a little piece of Heaven for young kids. I think every parent wants to see that type of joy on the face of their kids. That moment is one of my dreams in life.
The issues.
There are a couple of issues when it comes to bringing that dream to being a reality. My wife and I have tried to decide if our kids are at the right age for a trip to Disney or not. My oldest is four and the younger boy is two. I am of the opinion that my daughter would do okay with a day at the Magic Kingdom, but my boy would have a hard time. We have a hard time containing him at the grocery store, so I know there is no way he would behave anything like a human being if we were there. I sometimes use a stroller just to keep him from running all over the place in normal every day events. I just know he would run away and never be heard from again. Not a thought I like to think about. Plus, I know that we would have to have a stroller at Disney because it's too much to expect a little kid like that to walk all day and not get tired. It's too much to expect ME to walk around Disney all day and be able to stand up at night, but I don't think they make strollers big enough for me. Nor do I think my wife is strong enough to push my fat ass around a theme park all day. So, that's one of the issues we are struggling with.
The next, and biggest, issue is how we can afford the trip financially. I've stated before in this blog that money is not just flowing out of our pockets here in our house. We, like many American families at this point, do not have one of those magical trees in our backyard that grows money. It would be nice to go out and pick a couple of twenties off whenever I needed, but alas, it is not to be. So, seeing how we have trouble always keeping ahead of our bills, fitting what I have been told is an extremely expensive vacation into our already stretched thin budget, is almost an impossibility. I have done A LOT OF RESEARCH on this topic however. What I have found is that it can be done. They have a lot of vacation packages at Disney that are actually quite affordable. Plus, they allow you to make payments on whatever package you choose. I'm not going to get into the numbers or the offered packages and payment arrangements, but I think we could find a way to make it happen. The thing is, finding the money to put the down payment down on the vacation of our dreams. My wife and I have talked about taking our income tax refund and using that, and then paying on the vacation for a year before we go. That leads us back to the first issue. When is the appropriate age to take the kids? By answering this question we will know when it is that we want to start making a year's worth of payments. Make sense?
I would like to get your thoughts on the appropriate age to take kids to Disney, or any stories you have to share about a trip you've taken there. Any advise on the best way to go about this sort of adventure would be great as well.
I will say this, we have decided that if we were to ever come into a large sum of money(meaning hitting the lottery) we would immediately take off for the Magic Kingdom. To heck with the ages of the kids!
Thanks again, and I hope to hear some really cool Disney stories.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Groundhog Day.
I know it's in February.
So, I'll just ask it. Are there any other SAHDs out there that feel like they are living the same day over and over? Sometimes that's the case for me. I made the case for routines a while back, and well, I've gotten my wish. In our house we have settled into a nice little routine of how are day goes. It's almost the same every day. The only thing that changes is the time(or if) my wife goes into work. Otherwise we have almost fallen into a rut. It's because of this that I think my kids are acting out.
It's my fault really.
In my quest for stability and order, I have made my kids into robots of a sort. Apparently they don't like that! Maybe it's why they both took swings at me today. Yeah, you read that right, both of my kids attempted to hit me today. At separate times they both misbehaved and received the obligatory scolding. Nothing major, just an explanation as to what they did wrong, why it was wrong, and that it will not be tolerated again. Well, they both disagreed with me, and resisted by using force. Of course neither time went over well with me. Needless to say they both lost some of their favorite toys for a while.
That leads me back to our routine. I think that my kids were just acting out due to boredom. We've gotten to the point where every day seems the same. We go to the park at the same time, we eat lunch and dinner at the same time, we take baths at the same time. Separately of course. I just read that sentence and realized it could be misconstrued by certain people. It's getting pretty monotonous. I've really got to switch things up before they kill me! I've tried so hard to give them structure that they've turned against me.
Bill Murray will wake up to a different song!
Tomorrow the alarm clock will go off and it won't be "I Got You Babe" playing on our radio. It's going to be different and exciting. I've realized my mistake and vow not to repeat it. I am going to find a way to give structure to our lives, while changing things up enough to keep them on their toes. And from trying to injure their Daddy.
Any ideas on how I can go about keeping things new and exciting in our daily existence?
So, I'll just ask it. Are there any other SAHDs out there that feel like they are living the same day over and over? Sometimes that's the case for me. I made the case for routines a while back, and well, I've gotten my wish. In our house we have settled into a nice little routine of how are day goes. It's almost the same every day. The only thing that changes is the time(or if) my wife goes into work. Otherwise we have almost fallen into a rut. It's because of this that I think my kids are acting out.
It's my fault really.
In my quest for stability and order, I have made my kids into robots of a sort. Apparently they don't like that! Maybe it's why they both took swings at me today. Yeah, you read that right, both of my kids attempted to hit me today. At separate times they both misbehaved and received the obligatory scolding. Nothing major, just an explanation as to what they did wrong, why it was wrong, and that it will not be tolerated again. Well, they both disagreed with me, and resisted by using force. Of course neither time went over well with me. Needless to say they both lost some of their favorite toys for a while.
That leads me back to our routine. I think that my kids were just acting out due to boredom. We've gotten to the point where every day seems the same. We go to the park at the same time, we eat lunch and dinner at the same time, we take baths at the same time. Separately of course. I just read that sentence and realized it could be misconstrued by certain people. It's getting pretty monotonous. I've really got to switch things up before they kill me! I've tried so hard to give them structure that they've turned against me.
Bill Murray will wake up to a different song!
Tomorrow the alarm clock will go off and it won't be "I Got You Babe" playing on our radio. It's going to be different and exciting. I've realized my mistake and vow not to repeat it. I am going to find a way to give structure to our lives, while changing things up enough to keep them on their toes. And from trying to injure their Daddy.
Any ideas on how I can go about keeping things new and exciting in our daily existence?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
World Series Predictions
Going against the grain.
I am going to make my World Series prediction known to all here. I am not a professional prognosticator, however I do have a vast and wondrous amount of sports knowledge. With an emphasis on baseball for that matter.
So, on to the prediction. I pick the San Fransisco Giants to beat the Texas Rangers in six games. I think the Giants pitching staff will be more than enough to hold down the Rangers' bats. However, don't underestimate the importance of Benji Molina, the Rangers' catcher, having played the the last few years, including the first couple months of this year, with the Giants. It could come into play.
If my prediction is to come true I'm sure it will make Big Daddy Paul happy while upsetting Papa K.
Good luck to both teams, and I hope the Series goes the way you want it to.
I am going to make my World Series prediction known to all here. I am not a professional prognosticator, however I do have a vast and wondrous amount of sports knowledge. With an emphasis on baseball for that matter.
So, on to the prediction. I pick the San Fransisco Giants to beat the Texas Rangers in six games. I think the Giants pitching staff will be more than enough to hold down the Rangers' bats. However, don't underestimate the importance of Benji Molina, the Rangers' catcher, having played the the last few years, including the first couple months of this year, with the Giants. It could come into play.
If my prediction is to come true I'm sure it will make Big Daddy Paul happy while upsetting Papa K.
Good luck to both teams, and I hope the Series goes the way you want it to.
The DEATH of a toy!
It's very traumatic!
Last night we had something happen in our house that caused a lot pain and suffering. There was crying and comforting. There was forgiveness and thanks. We went through the entire seven steps of grief in about 30 minutes. It was crazy. During the day while my daughter was at school, my son had twisted the head off from one of her favorite dolls. It was a Jessie doll from Toy Story 3. And according to her, "SHE WAS MY FAVORITE TOY OF ALL TIME!" She is only four, so I guess that's entirely possible. Here is what the carnage looked like.
It was bad enough that no amount of superglue surgery could save her. I felt so bad when she was upset over this heinous act of violence. Her brother knew he had been had as well. When the crime scene had been discovered, he just laid down in his bed and got really quiet. Very unlike him. I knew that he felt bad and didn't want to be in trouble. So, being that I am judge, jury and executioner, I decided that he got off easy this time. As punishment for the crime he received a hug from his Daddy. I told him that it was not a good idea to go around breaking his sister's toys because she can inflict a much worse punishment upon him than I ever could. I remember what being a sibling was like as a child, and I know that sometimes justice is dolled out not by parents, but the kids themselves.
Anyways, I assured Sydney that she would receive a new and improved Jessie doll in the very near future and it seemed to ease the pain of her loss. It was after a few more sniffles and whimpers that I soon heard the sweet sound of silence coming from their bedroom indicating that they were finally asleep for the night. AHHH, peace. And, I was in a huge need of peace and quiet for the night. The crime did make me remember when I lost one of my favorite toys as a kid. I had a white with blue end striped Detroit Lions football. I took it to school every day an all of my friends and I played games of football with it. Well, one day we must of not used it, and I set it aside. After recess I must of forgotten it, because I looked out of our classroom window and noticed the "big" kids playing with my ball! My teacher refused to let me run out there and get it! I was furious, and at the time(or every day of my life including now) I had a bit of a temper. I caused a pretty big scene for my teacher, but I never did see that ball again. I think I'm still wearing the scars from losing my beloved Detroit Lions football. Maybe it's why they haven't won big in my lifetime. Perhaps I am the reason behind their futility? Oh, I would find that teacher and go back and punch her square in the face. Do you know how much pain and suffering the Lions have caused me? If I knew it was my fault, I'd never forgive myself. That is why, my daughter will have a replacement. I don't want to cause her years and years of emotional pain. Of course, if I tried hard enough, I could probably make her forget about her "loss" in a day or so, as long as she's not a freak like her Dad.
Time in the ER for this SAHD!
Yes, you read that right. I spent some time in the ER yesterday morning. During the afternoon on Monday I started to develop a nice little headache. Sometimes I get these really bad ones, as I've mentioned in a previous post that you can find here Sometimes they can really put me down for the day, and other times they can send me to the ER for help. Yesterday was one of those days. A little back story here. I have no colon, I had to have it removed due to a disease known as Ulcerative Colitis. I developed the disease when I was 18 and playing college football. I lived with it for five years before being told quite sternly by my doctor that I had to have my colon out, or die before I was 30 from colon cancer. It wasn't even a tough call! Anyways, one of the functions of our colons is to absorb liquid into our systems and help keep us hydrated. Well, by not having one, I get dehydrated quite often, causing these headaches. Yesterday was really bad. I spent about three hours in an ER room getting two IV bags of fluid and what they called a "migraine cocktail." Apparently it was a mixture of a couple of meds that knock out headaches like the one I had. It sure did, but along the way, I was exhausted for the rest of the day. And that was on top of not sleeping due to the headache on Monday night. So, a lot of yesterday was spent in a sleep induced fog. It was kind of nice to be honest. At least my headache was gone.
The only problem is there are guys here in our townhouse replacing all of our kitchen cabinets and counters right now, and it's causing a different type of headache! Wish me and my family luck!
Have a great day!
I'm famous!
I almost forgot to mention, I'm a famous newspaper writer now!!! Not really, but I did have a quote published on the front page of our local newspaper. I had been on the paper's website and commented on my high school getting a bad draw in the state playoffs. It's in the top right of the page under Web Quotes.
http://www.mlivecitpat/frontpage/pdfs/A1_Tuesday.pdf
Last night we had something happen in our house that caused a lot pain and suffering. There was crying and comforting. There was forgiveness and thanks. We went through the entire seven steps of grief in about 30 minutes. It was crazy. During the day while my daughter was at school, my son had twisted the head off from one of her favorite dolls. It was a Jessie doll from Toy Story 3. And according to her, "SHE WAS MY FAVORITE TOY OF ALL TIME!" She is only four, so I guess that's entirely possible. Here is what the carnage looked like.
Anyways, I assured Sydney that she would receive a new and improved Jessie doll in the very near future and it seemed to ease the pain of her loss. It was after a few more sniffles and whimpers that I soon heard the sweet sound of silence coming from their bedroom indicating that they were finally asleep for the night. AHHH, peace. And, I was in a huge need of peace and quiet for the night. The crime did make me remember when I lost one of my favorite toys as a kid. I had a white with blue end striped Detroit Lions football. I took it to school every day an all of my friends and I played games of football with it. Well, one day we must of not used it, and I set it aside. After recess I must of forgotten it, because I looked out of our classroom window and noticed the "big" kids playing with my ball! My teacher refused to let me run out there and get it! I was furious, and at the time(or every day of my life including now) I had a bit of a temper. I caused a pretty big scene for my teacher, but I never did see that ball again. I think I'm still wearing the scars from losing my beloved Detroit Lions football. Maybe it's why they haven't won big in my lifetime. Perhaps I am the reason behind their futility? Oh, I would find that teacher and go back and punch her square in the face. Do you know how much pain and suffering the Lions have caused me? If I knew it was my fault, I'd never forgive myself. That is why, my daughter will have a replacement. I don't want to cause her years and years of emotional pain. Of course, if I tried hard enough, I could probably make her forget about her "loss" in a day or so, as long as she's not a freak like her Dad.
Time in the ER for this SAHD!
Yes, you read that right. I spent some time in the ER yesterday morning. During the afternoon on Monday I started to develop a nice little headache. Sometimes I get these really bad ones, as I've mentioned in a previous post that you can find here Sometimes they can really put me down for the day, and other times they can send me to the ER for help. Yesterday was one of those days. A little back story here. I have no colon, I had to have it removed due to a disease known as Ulcerative Colitis. I developed the disease when I was 18 and playing college football. I lived with it for five years before being told quite sternly by my doctor that I had to have my colon out, or die before I was 30 from colon cancer. It wasn't even a tough call! Anyways, one of the functions of our colons is to absorb liquid into our systems and help keep us hydrated. Well, by not having one, I get dehydrated quite often, causing these headaches. Yesterday was really bad. I spent about three hours in an ER room getting two IV bags of fluid and what they called a "migraine cocktail." Apparently it was a mixture of a couple of meds that knock out headaches like the one I had. It sure did, but along the way, I was exhausted for the rest of the day. And that was on top of not sleeping due to the headache on Monday night. So, a lot of yesterday was spent in a sleep induced fog. It was kind of nice to be honest. At least my headache was gone.
The only problem is there are guys here in our townhouse replacing all of our kitchen cabinets and counters right now, and it's causing a different type of headache! Wish me and my family luck!
Have a great day!
I'm famous!
I almost forgot to mention, I'm a famous newspaper writer now!!! Not really, but I did have a quote published on the front page of our local newspaper. I had been on the paper's website and commented on my high school getting a bad draw in the state playoffs. It's in the top right of the page under Web Quotes.
http://www.mlivecitpat/frontpage/pdfs/A1_Tuesday.pdf
Monday, October 25, 2010
Should we have another kid?
Not a decision to be taken lightly.
My wife and I have two beautiful children, that much is obvious if you have seen my pictures of them. When we first met, we both had known our entire lives that we wanted kids, and as it turns out, we both had always wanted three kids. After we had our son in May of 2008 we had a conversation about having more kids, and we came to the conclusion that it wasn't a good idea for us to have any more. I was of the opinion that I have both a son and a daughter, and I'm not sure I could have enough love to go around for a third kid. Now, of course if we had one more, I'd find the love and that child would be just as loved as the first two. Plus, we are not in a position financially to have another kid. My wife and I both feel it would be irresponsible to have another kid. BUT...
Second thoughts!
Lately we have been having conversations about the possibility of adding to our family. My first thought, is HELL NO! I have said for a while now that if our son had been first born, he would have been an only child. He is that much of a handful, and that's saying it mildly. I'm not sure I could handle him as a middle child. My sister is a middle child, and holy crap she has caused so much drama in our family. I know I couldn't handle this little Tasmanian Devil causing any more drama than he already does. But, my wife is really having second thoughts. She has mentioned that it makes her sad to think that she will never be pregnant again, or have a little baby to care for. I told her "Heck you didn't have a LITTLE baby with Denny." He was 11lbs. 8oz when he was born, so he has never been "little" by any means. I'm not sure if the proverbial "biological clock" is ticking for her, but if I had my way I'd take a baseball bat to that damn clock!
Seriously though, if she were to come to me and tell me that she really wanted another baby: I'd do it for her. I know I said it would probably be irresponsible to have a third child, and that I'm not sure I had enough love to go around. I promise that I'd make it work though. I would do that for my wife. I'd have to find a way to support my son so that he doesn't live the middle child syndrome. But, I know we could make it work. I'm just not sure I want to.
What are the thoughts of you readers on this subject? How did you decide that you were done having kids, or have you not decided yet? Am I an idiot for thinking I don't have enough love to go around? Feedback please. Oh, and I've included this link for anyone thinking about becoming first time parents. I'm not saying not to become parents, just know that something like this is going to happen and you have to know how to deal with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWkZ_StRjU0
If anyone does know how to deal with this type of behavior please drop me a line because you've just solved one of my biggest questions of parenthood.
I also had to include this picture. My little girl was insistent that if she colored it, I had to put it in my blog. So here it is. She sings, she dances, she is artistic. I'm not sure she's really mine! NO, I'm kidding, but she definitely gets that side of her from her mother. She didn't stay in the lines though, and I have never stayed in the lines, so maybe she does get it from me!
Thanks and have a great night.
My wife and I have two beautiful children, that much is obvious if you have seen my pictures of them. When we first met, we both had known our entire lives that we wanted kids, and as it turns out, we both had always wanted three kids. After we had our son in May of 2008 we had a conversation about having more kids, and we came to the conclusion that it wasn't a good idea for us to have any more. I was of the opinion that I have both a son and a daughter, and I'm not sure I could have enough love to go around for a third kid. Now, of course if we had one more, I'd find the love and that child would be just as loved as the first two. Plus, we are not in a position financially to have another kid. My wife and I both feel it would be irresponsible to have another kid. BUT...
Second thoughts!
Lately we have been having conversations about the possibility of adding to our family. My first thought, is HELL NO! I have said for a while now that if our son had been first born, he would have been an only child. He is that much of a handful, and that's saying it mildly. I'm not sure I could handle him as a middle child. My sister is a middle child, and holy crap she has caused so much drama in our family. I know I couldn't handle this little Tasmanian Devil causing any more drama than he already does. But, my wife is really having second thoughts. She has mentioned that it makes her sad to think that she will never be pregnant again, or have a little baby to care for. I told her "Heck you didn't have a LITTLE baby with Denny." He was 11lbs. 8oz when he was born, so he has never been "little" by any means. I'm not sure if the proverbial "biological clock" is ticking for her, but if I had my way I'd take a baseball bat to that damn clock!
Seriously though, if she were to come to me and tell me that she really wanted another baby: I'd do it for her. I know I said it would probably be irresponsible to have a third child, and that I'm not sure I had enough love to go around. I promise that I'd make it work though. I would do that for my wife. I'd have to find a way to support my son so that he doesn't live the middle child syndrome. But, I know we could make it work. I'm just not sure I want to.
What are the thoughts of you readers on this subject? How did you decide that you were done having kids, or have you not decided yet? Am I an idiot for thinking I don't have enough love to go around? Feedback please. Oh, and I've included this link for anyone thinking about becoming first time parents. I'm not saying not to become parents, just know that something like this is going to happen and you have to know how to deal with it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWkZ_StRjU0
If anyone does know how to deal with this type of behavior please drop me a line because you've just solved one of my biggest questions of parenthood.
Thanks and have a great night.
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