This is an apology. I wish to direct this apology to _______ . It has been 18 weeks into my lovely wife's pregnancy, and I haven't got a clue-not one grain of an iota of a clue as to what I want to call the person I will be periodically yelling at, bragging about, frustrated by, hugging almost as hard as I can, and emptying my wallet for, for the next...
Jesus Christ.
There's no time limit for being a dad.
I'm going to be a dad forever.
...
Alright, alright. I'm cool, I'm cool.
Despite the fact that any and all semblance to my life as a "cool guy" is coming to an end-
(for God's sake man, when has anyone EVER said that someone's dad was "cool" and meant the COOL cool?)
-it's gonna be GREAT. This is just the next stage of development. What is about to occur will be the biggest challenge I have had to face. I mean, I have risen to the occasion and OVERCOME many an obstacle set before me! (SURVIVED may be more fitting a description of many of those many obstacles)
This will certainly be a difficult undertaking, but by devoting no less than 100% of my time, energy, common sense, and unconditional love-coupled with my lovely wife's 100%s, we will be in the catbird seat.
Anyway _______, we made an early promise to not give you, or sanction a name which would create an opportunity for ridicule, or even the slight raising of an eyebrow.
Our family tree will NOT bear a Shaneequa, Bobbi-jo, or Jimbob.
You will have a name which has familial, historical, or cultural significance. Anything less would be less than you deserve.
I guess all that pressure is what is causing our indecision, kiddo. I really am gonna push the gas pedal closer to the floor and do my part to come up with a name befitting of our clan. So, try and be patient. We will keep up the search, and we'll let you know as soon as we do.
Peace lil' guy/gal.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
For he's a jolly good fellow...
I just wanted to take some time to give some props to one of the most important people in my life. This individual has influenced me in more ways than he will possibly ever know. My Philosophical, Musical, Social, and Moral being has been based on the life and teachings of this person. I'm speaking about a man who has dedicated his life to self improvement, and self discipline. This is a guy who recognized that two aspects of his biological makeup were damaging his mental and physical health, and had the fortitude to just say, "fuck it I'm done", and before we knew it, he was COMPLETELY done with these things. Totally impressive. I mean WHO has the discipline to just STOP doing something they have been accustomed to doing daily for years simply because they felt it was time to stop that day? I swear, this guy is made of iron.
I would hear this guy say something like, "The decisions you make today will effect you tomorrow" on a regular basis, and I sometimes thought: "If I hear that bullshit one more time, I'm gonna yell what the HELL do you know old man?" Well apparently, he knew a shitload. This is a philosophy that unfortunately has taken me 30+ years to adopt, but I guess better late than never huh? (not really) On a daily basis, I'm reminded of this altruism. Damn, If I only listened 15-20 years ago...
Musically, This man was beyond all his peers. We would hear EVERYTHING blasting out of the speakers of his hi-fi stereo growing up. I would hear the music of War, Pink Floyd, New Birth, Jimi Hendrix, Edgar Winter, Funkadelic, Mandrill, Koko Taylor, and Carlos Santana, just to name a few. The diversity, and boldness of this guy's musical tastes continues to influence, and helps to expand my musical boundaries to this day. Thanx a Hell of a lot for that, man.
Maintaining one's honor has always seemed paramount in his eyes. Fortunately for me, I have become aware of the importance of being considered an honorable person, and his behavior, and actions have been used as exemplary models for projecting the necessary qualities of honor. Thanx for that too.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks for all the stuff you have done to help make me the person that I am, and I can only hope that when It comes time for me to influence the ones that I'm responsible for-I have the fortitude it takes to stick with them and see beyond the bullshit, hard-headed, stubbornness and continue drilling life lessons into their heads that you had the patience to drill into mine. As I said before, you are truly an Iron Man, and I love you for that dad.
Peace.
I would hear this guy say something like, "The decisions you make today will effect you tomorrow" on a regular basis, and I sometimes thought: "If I hear that bullshit one more time, I'm gonna yell what the HELL do you know old man?" Well apparently, he knew a shitload. This is a philosophy that unfortunately has taken me 30+ years to adopt, but I guess better late than never huh? (not really) On a daily basis, I'm reminded of this altruism. Damn, If I only listened 15-20 years ago...
Musically, This man was beyond all his peers. We would hear EVERYTHING blasting out of the speakers of his hi-fi stereo growing up. I would hear the music of War, Pink Floyd, New Birth, Jimi Hendrix, Edgar Winter, Funkadelic, Mandrill, Koko Taylor, and Carlos Santana, just to name a few. The diversity, and boldness of this guy's musical tastes continues to influence, and helps to expand my musical boundaries to this day. Thanx a Hell of a lot for that, man.
Maintaining one's honor has always seemed paramount in his eyes. Fortunately for me, I have become aware of the importance of being considered an honorable person, and his behavior, and actions have been used as exemplary models for projecting the necessary qualities of honor. Thanx for that too.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks for all the stuff you have done to help make me the person that I am, and I can only hope that when It comes time for me to influence the ones that I'm responsible for-I have the fortitude it takes to stick with them and see beyond the bullshit, hard-headed, stubbornness and continue drilling life lessons into their heads that you had the patience to drill into mine. As I said before, you are truly an Iron Man, and I love you for that dad.
Peace.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Dr. Frankenstein, paging Dr. Frankenstein...
Just watched an incredibly disheartening documentary called "The Future of Food". It gave info on genetically engineered foods, like corn, canola, soy, and wheat products. It claimed that, the majority of foods found in the grocery store contain some form of genetically altered content even after it has been proven that some of these have been found to kill, cause gastrointestinal lesions, slow the growth rate, and cause violent allergic reactions in test subjects (rodents, varying types of insects). The documentary also stated that the U.S. government is the biggest supporter of this technology, and several members of governmental positions have occupied positions, or have received substantial contributions from companies that produce genetically enhanced seeds. (Clarence Thomas, John Ashcroft, Donald Rumsfeld, and Dan Quayle to name a few)
Apparently, several years ago, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court these companies were able to receive patents on these seeds. This is outrageous for the simple fact that the ability to patent life forms has previously been unheard of. I guess anything is possible when the ability to make copious amounts of $ is involved. Where there's a will (and a dollar to be made) there's a way eh?
Anyway, all it takes is for farmers to purchase and plant one bag of genetic seeds, and they will eventually begin cross-pollinating and overtaking organic seeds. This has been the case in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Fortunately, some countries have banned the exportation, and distribution of these seeds. Here is the real problem though. After a certain time period say, a couple of seasons, these companies began hitting up farmers claiming to have conducted extensive tests on their crops. (Which they did not) They then accused the farmers of copyright infringement because the seeds used to produce new crops were the offspring of the original seeds used for crops a season or two ago. So, according to copyright law, these farmers are using the property of the seed producing companies to generate money without providing compensation. The companies then began pressing charges against the farmers in order to scare them into paying settlement amounts, and destroying their inventory of seeds collected from the past two seasons. It seems that the goal of these companies is to force farmers to become dependent on their seeds in order to maintain their livelihood. And that situation is what generates more moolah for the companies. Farmers are unfortunately stymied because as I said, the government is fully backing the idea. The Bush administration wanted to create subsidies in foreign countries based on the notion that these foods would be used to help end global famine.
Methinks there's something rotten in denmark. Opening the floodgates and providing the world with this potentially contaminated food could quite possibly promote the health problems related to food we have here in the states, and it doesn't seem likely to me that these efforts really would make a dent in famine, because the people who are starving are poor, and probably don't have the money to buy seeds right? Well obviously these companies aren't Giving away these seeds.
Hell, they're subpoenaing individuals who might unknowingly have these patented seeds growing on their farms! This is just a front for creating business opportunities in markets abroad. C'mon guys, we are smarter than that! (Aren't we?)
There was a bright side to all this. Due to disenfranchisement with unfair treatment, and a growing health consciousness, farmers have begun to produce organic vegetables for consumers. This isn't the most cost effective choice, but hey, at least farmers now have a CHOICE. Coupled with that knowledge, and the fact that they now have a better chance of keeping the lights on looks much better than being "legally extorted".
I have only scratched the surface of what "The Future of Food" has to offer, so rent it and see what you think.
I will leave you with this, Don't eat any partially hydrogenated anything, soya products, canola based foods, and most definitely, no high fructose corn syrup! This stuff can/will potentially hurt you.
Peace.
Apparently, several years ago, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court these companies were able to receive patents on these seeds. This is outrageous for the simple fact that the ability to patent life forms has previously been unheard of. I guess anything is possible when the ability to make copious amounts of $ is involved. Where there's a will (and a dollar to be made) there's a way eh?
Anyway, all it takes is for farmers to purchase and plant one bag of genetic seeds, and they will eventually begin cross-pollinating and overtaking organic seeds. This has been the case in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Fortunately, some countries have banned the exportation, and distribution of these seeds. Here is the real problem though. After a certain time period say, a couple of seasons, these companies began hitting up farmers claiming to have conducted extensive tests on their crops. (Which they did not) They then accused the farmers of copyright infringement because the seeds used to produce new crops were the offspring of the original seeds used for crops a season or two ago. So, according to copyright law, these farmers are using the property of the seed producing companies to generate money without providing compensation. The companies then began pressing charges against the farmers in order to scare them into paying settlement amounts, and destroying their inventory of seeds collected from the past two seasons. It seems that the goal of these companies is to force farmers to become dependent on their seeds in order to maintain their livelihood. And that situation is what generates more moolah for the companies. Farmers are unfortunately stymied because as I said, the government is fully backing the idea. The Bush administration wanted to create subsidies in foreign countries based on the notion that these foods would be used to help end global famine.
Methinks there's something rotten in denmark. Opening the floodgates and providing the world with this potentially contaminated food could quite possibly promote the health problems related to food we have here in the states, and it doesn't seem likely to me that these efforts really would make a dent in famine, because the people who are starving are poor, and probably don't have the money to buy seeds right? Well obviously these companies aren't Giving away these seeds.
Hell, they're subpoenaing individuals who might unknowingly have these patented seeds growing on their farms! This is just a front for creating business opportunities in markets abroad. C'mon guys, we are smarter than that! (Aren't we?)
There was a bright side to all this. Due to disenfranchisement with unfair treatment, and a growing health consciousness, farmers have begun to produce organic vegetables for consumers. This isn't the most cost effective choice, but hey, at least farmers now have a CHOICE. Coupled with that knowledge, and the fact that they now have a better chance of keeping the lights on looks much better than being "legally extorted".
I have only scratched the surface of what "The Future of Food" has to offer, so rent it and see what you think.
I will leave you with this, Don't eat any partially hydrogenated anything, soya products, canola based foods, and most definitely, no high fructose corn syrup! This stuff can/will potentially hurt you.
Peace.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Came loving one, but left in love with somebody else...
Tonite, I had the EXTREME pleasure in seeing what will be considered one of my favorite concerts I have EVER been to. For weeks prior to the show, I had been listening to Various songs in Sonic Youth's library. The whole time I had been getting hyped!!! I could be seen SCREAMING along with Thurston Moore while driving on the freeway heading to and from work, on jogs, and just about any time I had access to their music. I imagined a dozen different playlists they would use, all of which containing my favorites old and new. (Radical Adults Lick Godhead Style/Candle/Sunday/Dirty Boots/Disappearer/Stones the list goes on)
But alas, none of these from my fantasy set list were to reach my ears this night.
Don't get me wrong though, they had a pretty good set, just relaxed and cool. I got into more songs than not, especially the super-popular radio-friendly Incinerate, my favorite new song Pink Steam, and the very pretty Turquoise boy. They sounded good, and Kim Gordon's vocals were even on point. But, They seemed affected by the bad weather (impending storm/tornado), and they just didn't seem to have any real energy for the people who braved the elements just to see them. I'm really NOT bitter, just a little let down.
That's when I took notice of just how many balloon creatures this guy to our right was making. He made a Dragonfly, a Spider, a Butterfly (worn like a backpack), a Stick Man holding a pair of Red Lips, and a Giant Pink Robot. All these balloons were as big as I am. Completely Awesome. He would make them, and give them to other people in the audience to walk around with.
Soon after, the rain totally let up, and it was time for the Flaming Lips to take stage. When they did, we saw Wayne Coyner stand in front of a mic which was outfitted with a camera for closeups, and his image was projected onto a huge screen which would show footage from japanese game shows, topless karate go-go dancers, snippets from their videos, outer space, and finally teletubbies. The concert started and Wayne climbed into a bubble inflated to twice his size, and rolled into
the audience that supported he and the bubble he was in while Race For The Prize played. People went nuts. Confetti streamers, bubbles, and big balloons were shot toward the audience, and I swear this is the truth, my lovely wife and best friend and I were at least 100 yards away and got hit with all this. By this time, the crowd was so amped! They had volunteer backup Santa and Alien dancers, Captain America was the stage hand, and one of homeboy's balloons made it to the stage.
After doing a couple of newer songs, they did Yoshimi, and Do you Realize, which were spot on, and further enhanced by all the theatrics. The audience felt a wide range of emotions- political frustration (Yeah Yeah Yeah Song), positivity (W.A.N.D.)
friendship, love, and hope (My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion) We even got to travel through space when Vein of stars played.
Throughout the show the Lips thanked us graciously, not just a "We love you" with Columbus pasted on the end, but a sincere thanks for listening, support, and willingness to try something different. They also Felt what they were singing, and prompted us to exhibit the same passion when singing the lyrics projected on the screen. It's rare that a band makes me and the rest of the audience for that matter, feel so included in what they were doing onstage. It was like he was speaking to each individual in the audience when pleading for us to think about what we were singing about. (The HUGE closeup of his face also helped)
The even crazier thing, is I felt a little more positive and considerate when I left the concert. Thanks to Wayne thanking us for not being too hip and cool to smile with them, and others in the crowd, I left feeling like I was a little cooler.
Man, they were super-tight, and I felt great when I left. I WILL be seeing them again, and hopefully so will you.
Peace
But alas, none of these from my fantasy set list were to reach my ears this night.
Don't get me wrong though, they had a pretty good set, just relaxed and cool. I got into more songs than not, especially the super-popular radio-friendly Incinerate, my favorite new song Pink Steam, and the very pretty Turquoise boy. They sounded good, and Kim Gordon's vocals were even on point. But, They seemed affected by the bad weather (impending storm/tornado), and they just didn't seem to have any real energy for the people who braved the elements just to see them. I'm really NOT bitter, just a little let down.
That's when I took notice of just how many balloon creatures this guy to our right was making. He made a Dragonfly, a Spider, a Butterfly (worn like a backpack), a Stick Man holding a pair of Red Lips, and a Giant Pink Robot. All these balloons were as big as I am. Completely Awesome. He would make them, and give them to other people in the audience to walk around with.
Soon after, the rain totally let up, and it was time for the Flaming Lips to take stage. When they did, we saw Wayne Coyner stand in front of a mic which was outfitted with a camera for closeups, and his image was projected onto a huge screen which would show footage from japanese game shows, topless karate go-go dancers, snippets from their videos, outer space, and finally teletubbies. The concert started and Wayne climbed into a bubble inflated to twice his size, and rolled into
the audience that supported he and the bubble he was in while Race For The Prize played. People went nuts. Confetti streamers, bubbles, and big balloons were shot toward the audience, and I swear this is the truth, my lovely wife and best friend and I were at least 100 yards away and got hit with all this. By this time, the crowd was so amped! They had volunteer backup Santa and Alien dancers, Captain America was the stage hand, and one of homeboy's balloons made it to the stage.
After doing a couple of newer songs, they did Yoshimi, and Do you Realize, which were spot on, and further enhanced by all the theatrics. The audience felt a wide range of emotions- political frustration (Yeah Yeah Yeah Song), positivity (W.A.N.D.)
friendship, love, and hope (My Cosmic Autumn Rebellion) We even got to travel through space when Vein of stars played.
Throughout the show the Lips thanked us graciously, not just a "We love you" with Columbus pasted on the end, but a sincere thanks for listening, support, and willingness to try something different. They also Felt what they were singing, and prompted us to exhibit the same passion when singing the lyrics projected on the screen. It's rare that a band makes me and the rest of the audience for that matter, feel so included in what they were doing onstage. It was like he was speaking to each individual in the audience when pleading for us to think about what we were singing about. (The HUGE closeup of his face also helped)
The even crazier thing, is I felt a little more positive and considerate when I left the concert. Thanks to Wayne thanking us for not being too hip and cool to smile with them, and others in the crowd, I left feeling like I was a little cooler.
Man, they were super-tight, and I felt great when I left. I WILL be seeing them again, and hopefully so will you.
Peace
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
...And You Don't Stop
I grew up during, was molded by, contributed to, and sadly witnessed the commercialization and bastardization of one of the most (if not THE most) globally influential cultural revolutions ever to exist.
HIP-HOP CULTURE.
I stress the word culture, because hip-hop is so much more than baggy pants and misogynistic party anthems. Hip-hop is most certainly a way of life. Hip-hop culture has helped people express disenfranchisement with financial, social and political oppression and given B-Boys and B-Girls a sense of pride, bravado, and a desire to be themselves.
Once you choose hip-hop as a way of life, you are a part of a huge like-minded collective, but you are praised for and prompted to be an INDIVIDUAL. Because so much time and effort is spent developing a unique style, once established it is considered sacred and imitation could be met with verbal scrutiny, or a beatdown. Either way, getting caught "biting" or stealing someone else's style can lead to shame and loss of credibility.
Unfortunately, that drive to be different has tapered off, and I believe this is the main reason for Hip-hop culture's slow demise. Personally I blame record companies who, in their desire to make copious amounts of money, continuously churn out rehashes of whatever "R&B/Urban" or "Top 40" hit song that is slightly, or grossly influenced by hip-hop music currently at the top of the Billboard charts. The general public is then spoon fed this "music" and told to like it. And they do. Songs are requested on the radio and in clubs, and CDs are snatched up as quick as that, and the snowball is on the roll. The funny thing is, these songs are not even considered hip-hop by people who consider themselves part of hip-hop culture. These are RAP songs. (I'll explain the difference between hip-hop and rap during another of my tirades)
All that said, if you are at all interested in experiencing, and preserving hip-hop in it's purest form, pick up Boogie Down Productions' Criminal Minded (grandfather of Gangsta Rap), Eric B & Rakim's Paid in full (some of the best lyrics, and delivery ever), Tribe called Quest's People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (innovative delivery style, precursor to "backpack" or alternative hip-hop), most definitely Grand Master Flash and the furious Five's The message (raw, gritty reality-based lyrics, excellent delivery, and one of the greatest DJ's of all time), and last, but definitely not least is Organized Konfusion's Stress: The Extinction Agenda (crazy, crazy metaphors, and deft use of vocal tones, and harmonies- my favorite {slightly} contemporary hip-hop album). My list of music could go on and on, but again, I'll save it for another time.
Also pick up the book, or do a web search of "Back in the Days" photographs by Jamel Shabazz. Within the pages of this book, you will see the pride, individuality and creativity of each individual photographed as they pose in their best B-boy/B-Girl "Stance". Also check out the movie "Wild Style", and the documentary "Style Wars" For the most authentic representations of hip-hop on film.
It's up to the members of hip-hop culture to EXPECT that very culture to grow and change, continuously pushing the envelope and moving beyond all preexisting parameters.
LONG LIVE HIP-HOP!!!
HIP-HOP CULTURE.
I stress the word culture, because hip-hop is so much more than baggy pants and misogynistic party anthems. Hip-hop is most certainly a way of life. Hip-hop culture has helped people express disenfranchisement with financial, social and political oppression and given B-Boys and B-Girls a sense of pride, bravado, and a desire to be themselves.
Once you choose hip-hop as a way of life, you are a part of a huge like-minded collective, but you are praised for and prompted to be an INDIVIDUAL. Because so much time and effort is spent developing a unique style, once established it is considered sacred and imitation could be met with verbal scrutiny, or a beatdown. Either way, getting caught "biting" or stealing someone else's style can lead to shame and loss of credibility.
Unfortunately, that drive to be different has tapered off, and I believe this is the main reason for Hip-hop culture's slow demise. Personally I blame record companies who, in their desire to make copious amounts of money, continuously churn out rehashes of whatever "R&B/Urban" or "Top 40" hit song that is slightly, or grossly influenced by hip-hop music currently at the top of the Billboard charts. The general public is then spoon fed this "music" and told to like it. And they do. Songs are requested on the radio and in clubs, and CDs are snatched up as quick as that, and the snowball is on the roll. The funny thing is, these songs are not even considered hip-hop by people who consider themselves part of hip-hop culture. These are RAP songs. (I'll explain the difference between hip-hop and rap during another of my tirades)
All that said, if you are at all interested in experiencing, and preserving hip-hop in it's purest form, pick up Boogie Down Productions' Criminal Minded (grandfather of Gangsta Rap), Eric B & Rakim's Paid in full (some of the best lyrics, and delivery ever), Tribe called Quest's People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (innovative delivery style, precursor to "backpack" or alternative hip-hop), most definitely Grand Master Flash and the furious Five's The message (raw, gritty reality-based lyrics, excellent delivery, and one of the greatest DJ's of all time), and last, but definitely not least is Organized Konfusion's Stress: The Extinction Agenda (crazy, crazy metaphors, and deft use of vocal tones, and harmonies- my favorite {slightly} contemporary hip-hop album). My list of music could go on and on, but again, I'll save it for another time.
Also pick up the book, or do a web search of "Back in the Days" photographs by Jamel Shabazz. Within the pages of this book, you will see the pride, individuality and creativity of each individual photographed as they pose in their best B-boy/B-Girl "Stance". Also check out the movie "Wild Style", and the documentary "Style Wars" For the most authentic representations of hip-hop on film.
It's up to the members of hip-hop culture to EXPECT that very culture to grow and change, continuously pushing the envelope and moving beyond all preexisting parameters.
LONG LIVE HIP-HOP!!!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Dead As A Dinosaur
Good customer service seems to be facing extinction. Businesses are doing less and less to make consumers feel appreciated for selecting THEM as opposed to other places of business that can supply their demands. These places of business are in my eyes, completely at fault for the actions of their employees. For instance, if an employee was concerned about losing his/her job because of misconduct, then it would seem the likelihood of misconduct would be greatly lessened. Am I being naive, or am I on to something?
It's simple.
"You disrespect the customers who keep my lights on, you're fired."
"I have to pay off a mortgage loan, and if you are hindering that goal from being met, you're fired."
"This business has a name and a reputation to uphold. If either of those are threatened, you're fired."
Any business owners out there who may be reading this, please feel free to use these quotes within your establishment and I'm pretty sure the bullshit bad habits will decrease. Hell, with luck maybe they will disappear altogether-
and I'll have one less complaint concerning the the negative aspects of commercialism.
O.k., maybe I AM just a little naive...
It's simple.
"You disrespect the customers who keep my lights on, you're fired."
"I have to pay off a mortgage loan, and if you are hindering that goal from being met, you're fired."
"This business has a name and a reputation to uphold. If either of those are threatened, you're fired."
Any business owners out there who may be reading this, please feel free to use these quotes within your establishment and I'm pretty sure the bullshit bad habits will decrease. Hell, with luck maybe they will disappear altogether-
and I'll have one less complaint concerning the the negative aspects of commercialism.
O.k., maybe I AM just a little naive...
Hai-who?
Gentle breeze blows change
soon I will be a father
a life I must mold
exude positivity
and perpetuate honor
soon I will be a father
a life I must mold
exude positivity
and perpetuate honor
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Buh-Bump Buh-Bump Buh-Bump...
So, my lovely wife and I got to hear our little sprout's heartbeat today. Top notch man. I had a few unnecessary worries bouncing around in my head this whole week, like: will there not even be a beat? Will the beat be terribly weak? Will there be a beat that doesn't sound quite right? You know, IRREGULAR? Crazy questions were filling my head making me worry. Worrying for the sake of worrying worrying. So we go into the office, and I am trying to be COOL.
INSIDE I AM A WRECK.
The doc eventually comes in, has a small conversation with us, and tells the wife to prepare for her pap test. By this time, I am ready for the BEAT man! When the doc finished the exam, (I must admit that I am stunned, humbled, and honored to have been privy to one of the most sacred and secret rituals women have to go through on a yearly basis) she squirted some kind of gel on the tip of a listening device, kinda shaped like a microphone connected to a small speaker. The device was then placed face down on top of the wife's stomach, about where the it was assumed the baby was hanging out. As she was placing the device, the doc explained to us that it may take a minute to hear the baby's heartbeat. Before she finished her statement, we heard a fast thumping. Quick, loud, steady and strong. Amazing. It was all I needed to hear. No more worries.
The doc then moved the mic to the left maybe about an inch, and the wife's heartbeat could be heard. They were in tandem for a moment, and we could hear that her beat was almost half the speed of the baby's. Just hearing the baby's heartbeat and then both my wife's and the baby's together did MY heart a lot of good.
I am so very proud and completely overjoyed to know that my baby is alive, well, and completely safe within the womb of my number 1 lady.
Thanks for the gift my love.
INSIDE I AM A WRECK.
The doc eventually comes in, has a small conversation with us, and tells the wife to prepare for her pap test. By this time, I am ready for the BEAT man! When the doc finished the exam, (I must admit that I am stunned, humbled, and honored to have been privy to one of the most sacred and secret rituals women have to go through on a yearly basis) she squirted some kind of gel on the tip of a listening device, kinda shaped like a microphone connected to a small speaker. The device was then placed face down on top of the wife's stomach, about where the it was assumed the baby was hanging out. As she was placing the device, the doc explained to us that it may take a minute to hear the baby's heartbeat. Before she finished her statement, we heard a fast thumping. Quick, loud, steady and strong. Amazing. It was all I needed to hear. No more worries.
The doc then moved the mic to the left maybe about an inch, and the wife's heartbeat could be heard. They were in tandem for a moment, and we could hear that her beat was almost half the speed of the baby's. Just hearing the baby's heartbeat and then both my wife's and the baby's together did MY heart a lot of good.
I am so very proud and completely overjoyed to know that my baby is alive, well, and completely safe within the womb of my number 1 lady.
Thanks for the gift my love.
Me Gronk!!!
Today my lovely wife came to me with a look of surprise and said, "Look you can see where the baby is!" (Or something to that effect) She then caressed the gentle roundness her stomach has slowly been growing into. "My pooch is gone" she then said, with her bottom lip poking out. Then she proceeded to show me the top of the pair of pants she wore to work that day. I was familiar with this particular pair, as I had seen them on several prior occasions, but today they were a little different. They were unfastened, and held together by a black elastic hair thing. "Well, my pants don't fit me anymore she said holding up her blouse with both hands. My response to all of this- as I remember it was "good".
I don't think that was quite the response she was looking for.
What I thought was a legit answer was merely a grunt. Unfortunately for me I happen to have an uncanny talent for understatement. "good" was what came out of my mouth, but in my head was, "good- I think it's great that we're seeing evidence of our little one growing inside you."
Cheers to Gronk the monosyllabic neanderthal man who can't properly express himself to his wife. Nice going jw.
Realizing that the wife likely wanted more than just a one word grunt, I recovered from my fumble and walked over to her, rubbed where I supposed the baby was hanging out and told her exactly what I had been thinking. I then inquired about how she was feeling, what emotional & physical changes she's been going through, and her general health. I think that made a difference. Just taking the time to try and understand (though I never will) all the crazy things her mind and body are going through helped me understand how nice it must be to every so often be asked by others and your HUSBAND "hey, how are you doing?"
I don't think the wife is bothered by the fact that I'm tight lipped, I just think she wants a little more in the way of verbal support. Hopefully now that I've come to this realization, I can continue to give her the attention I know I am capable of giving. Just try to be a little quicker on the draw next time Gronk.
I don't think that was quite the response she was looking for.
What I thought was a legit answer was merely a grunt. Unfortunately for me I happen to have an uncanny talent for understatement. "good" was what came out of my mouth, but in my head was, "good- I think it's great that we're seeing evidence of our little one growing inside you."
Cheers to Gronk the monosyllabic neanderthal man who can't properly express himself to his wife. Nice going jw.
Realizing that the wife likely wanted more than just a one word grunt, I recovered from my fumble and walked over to her, rubbed where I supposed the baby was hanging out and told her exactly what I had been thinking. I then inquired about how she was feeling, what emotional & physical changes she's been going through, and her general health. I think that made a difference. Just taking the time to try and understand (though I never will) all the crazy things her mind and body are going through helped me understand how nice it must be to every so often be asked by others and your HUSBAND "hey, how are you doing?"
I don't think the wife is bothered by the fact that I'm tight lipped, I just think she wants a little more in the way of verbal support. Hopefully now that I've come to this realization, I can continue to give her the attention I know I am capable of giving. Just try to be a little quicker on the draw next time Gronk.
Avengers Assemble!
A few evenings ago, I decided to sift through my box of old comics. "Books" as I refer to them- trying to sound a little less like a geek in response to my wife's questions as to what I'm looking for. You see, I keep them in the back of the crawl space leading to the attic. In order to reach this veritable treasure trove of nostalgic bliss, I have to complete an obstacle course by climbing over three "winter clothes" bins, a plethora of purses, and a multitude of luggage.
As I inch closer to the coveted cardboard cube, I'm making a LOT of noise, and my wife never fails to notice all the racket.
"What are you looking for in there?"
"Ummmmmm... Books" I answer, thinking that the response given would be sufficient.
Not so.
She then hits me with "What kind?" Then I answer her query feeling slightly like a geek, but kinda tickled by the fact that she's kinda tickled by my attempts to be covert. We play this game about once or twice a year, and I swear it never gets old or any less ticklish.
But I digress.
Upon perusal, I find within the musty box four of what I consider The best issues of the Avengers comic. Immediately I was nine again. Issues 183 and 184 featured the Absorbing Man Crusher Creel (I love saying his name) whuppin' ass! He pretty much just smacks 'em all around until the coolest Avenger-the Vision steps in to put an end to all that nonsense. Issues 190 and 191 were also pretty tight. The Grey Gargoyle is in the house and his knuckles are having their way with various Avengers. Daredevil(!) even gets smacked up in issue 190! There is no shortage of action, and they are pretty solid in terms of artwork.
John Byrne did the pencils, and its no secret that he was in top form. These are great books, even though the dialogue was sort of wack. The covers- though not illustrated by Byrne were works of art, giving readers a glimpse of the chaos about to occur within. This was a time period (late 70's) when the Avengers were top-notch in my book. I mean, there was a gang of heroes included in these issues, and all of them were bad-ass! Look, you had Hawkeye, Wasp, Beast (Obviously taking a break from the Xmen) Ms. Marvel (HOT), Iron Man, Black Falcon, (known as the Falcon at that point), Captain America, Scarlet Witch (Super Hot), and the Vision! Nine cats in one comic every month! Are you kidding me!?! It was enough to blow a nine year olds' mind! John Byrne managed to cram so much action into his run on the Avengers that after being exposed to these books, I became spoiled and expected ALL comics to be comparable in creativity and caliber.
By all means, if you are a fan of the Avengers and /or John Byrne's artwork, then you must check out these issues.
Peace.
As I inch closer to the coveted cardboard cube, I'm making a LOT of noise, and my wife never fails to notice all the racket.
"What are you looking for in there?"
"Ummmmmm... Books" I answer, thinking that the response given would be sufficient.
Not so.
She then hits me with "What kind?" Then I answer her query feeling slightly like a geek, but kinda tickled by the fact that she's kinda tickled by my attempts to be covert. We play this game about once or twice a year, and I swear it never gets old or any less ticklish.
But I digress.
Upon perusal, I find within the musty box four of what I consider The best issues of the Avengers comic. Immediately I was nine again. Issues 183 and 184 featured the Absorbing Man Crusher Creel (I love saying his name) whuppin' ass! He pretty much just smacks 'em all around until the coolest Avenger-the Vision steps in to put an end to all that nonsense. Issues 190 and 191 were also pretty tight. The Grey Gargoyle is in the house and his knuckles are having their way with various Avengers. Daredevil(!) even gets smacked up in issue 190! There is no shortage of action, and they are pretty solid in terms of artwork.
John Byrne did the pencils, and its no secret that he was in top form. These are great books, even though the dialogue was sort of wack. The covers- though not illustrated by Byrne were works of art, giving readers a glimpse of the chaos about to occur within. This was a time period (late 70's) when the Avengers were top-notch in my book. I mean, there was a gang of heroes included in these issues, and all of them were bad-ass! Look, you had Hawkeye, Wasp, Beast (Obviously taking a break from the Xmen) Ms. Marvel (HOT), Iron Man, Black Falcon, (known as the Falcon at that point), Captain America, Scarlet Witch (Super Hot), and the Vision! Nine cats in one comic every month! Are you kidding me!?! It was enough to blow a nine year olds' mind! John Byrne managed to cram so much action into his run on the Avengers that after being exposed to these books, I became spoiled and expected ALL comics to be comparable in creativity and caliber.
By all means, if you are a fan of the Avengers and /or John Byrne's artwork, then you must check out these issues.
Peace.
Howdy
Hey everyone! This is the beginning of a series of writings created expressly for helping me maintain my sanity. I am a writer by nature, and writing seems to be what I enjoy most and do best. (Procrastinating follows closely behind) This blog will hopefully prove to be a boost to my waning levels of creativity, and buffer my increasing intolerance for things that go on around me daily. Knowing this dear reader, expect a LOT of ranting and raving, inappropriate humor, geekiness, sincerity, inconsistency (I will do my damnedest to keep that one under control), and most importantly, honesty.
You will read about the upcoming birth of my beautiful wife's and my new baby, crappy work politics, concert, movie and music reviews, synopses of old school comic books or graphic novels (whichever title you're less embarrassed to use), parentheses, quotation marks, exclamation marks, and a bunch of run-on sentences.
Please feel free to respond to anything I may post- whether you agree or disagree with what I have to say is super cool with me. Hell, I welcome ANY response. The chance to hear from like minded individuals, or differing points of view can be equally mind expanding.
You will read about the upcoming birth of my beautiful wife's and my new baby, crappy work politics, concert, movie and music reviews, synopses of old school comic books or graphic novels (whichever title you're less embarrassed to use), parentheses, quotation marks, exclamation marks, and a bunch of run-on sentences.
Please feel free to respond to anything I may post- whether you agree or disagree with what I have to say is super cool with me. Hell, I welcome ANY response. The chance to hear from like minded individuals, or differing points of view can be equally mind expanding.
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