I was up in Park City last weekend and we stopped at a little book store to buy a souvenir for the kids. I found one for myself too: a $5 magnet. You may think I may need to wipe the "SUCKER" sign off my forehead for buying a $5 magnet. It had a cool quote on it though so I didn't feel bad pulling out my wallet.
The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars...
-Jack Kerouac
This doesn't describe who I am, but who I'm trying to be. Instead of what he described, I'm often mad to sleep, or mad to eat junk food. I'll work on this though. It's a darn good thing I have a $5 magnet to remind me what I'm shooting for.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Good CDs
I’ve got a few CDs I need you to check out:
Chris Tomlin – See The Morning: I regret that I hadn’t become familiar with Chris’ music years ago. His music is so strongly crafted that it’s no surprise Chris is at the top of the inspirational music category.
Chris Tomlin – Arriving: In the realm of positive, uplifting, inspiring, hopeful, and superbly written music, there aren’t too many musicians that can match the level of Chris Tomlin.
Ferras – Aliens and Rainbows: I first heard one of his songs on American Idol. On rare occasions I hear a song that I can’t, for the life of me, get out of my head. It is so well-composed or written that I can’t get it out of my brain. Marc Cohn’s first CD was full of songs like that. This is another one of those rare CDs where most songs are so catchy that a pry bar couldn’t get them out of your skull.
Jon McLaughlin – Indiana: An awesome mix of energetic songs and personal, revealing, introspective tunes. I’m surprised Jon’s music isn’t on the radio constantly.
There’s nothing worse than shelling out some hard-earned dollars for a CD that turns out to be worse than rotting catfish. If you’re looking for good music (just click on the links), I can assure you that these are some CDs which will fit the bill.
Chris Tomlin – See The Morning: I regret that I hadn’t become familiar with Chris’ music years ago. His music is so strongly crafted that it’s no surprise Chris is at the top of the inspirational music category.
Chris Tomlin – Arriving: In the realm of positive, uplifting, inspiring, hopeful, and superbly written music, there aren’t too many musicians that can match the level of Chris Tomlin.
Ferras – Aliens and Rainbows: I first heard one of his songs on American Idol. On rare occasions I hear a song that I can’t, for the life of me, get out of my head. It is so well-composed or written that I can’t get it out of my brain. Marc Cohn’s first CD was full of songs like that. This is another one of those rare CDs where most songs are so catchy that a pry bar couldn’t get them out of your skull.
Jon McLaughlin – Indiana: An awesome mix of energetic songs and personal, revealing, introspective tunes. I’m surprised Jon’s music isn’t on the radio constantly.
There’s nothing worse than shelling out some hard-earned dollars for a CD that turns out to be worse than rotting catfish. If you’re looking for good music (just click on the links), I can assure you that these are some CDs which will fit the bill.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Weekend Up North
We just returned from a relaxing trip to northern Utah. I had a few minor things for work, but then also got to have some fun in Salt Lake and Park City. Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Mackie, and Mel's sister Angie, Mel and I had two days where we didn't have to get food for three little mouths before getting our own meals. Two days of shopping without whining (I admit, I did whine a little about the shopping). Two days where we could take a nap on OUR schedule. We got to see a movie without wondering if the kids would make it through. It was glorious. It was glorious.
When we were in Salt Lake Mel and I also went to a concert by a group called Remedy Drive. We got to meet the lead singer and drummer before the show which was cool. Here is a video of their new song called Daylight. I guarantee you a CD that you'll like it. Go ahead - give it a try.
When we were in Salt Lake Mel and I also went to a concert by a group called Remedy Drive. We got to meet the lead singer and drummer before the show which was cool. Here is a video of their new song called Daylight. I guarantee you a CD that you'll like it. Go ahead - give it a try.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Saturday Night Sleep-Over
On Saturday a bad noise started in our house. It sounded like our air conditioner was in labor. Or in the process of turning into a gorilla. Or having really bad diarrhea. Or preparing to meet it's maker. Then it died.
In case you weren't aware, southern Utah has been hovering around 108 degrees during the day. Without the luxury of an air conditioner, it doesn't take long before your clothes are sticking to you like to got dunked in rubber cement.
We tried to sleep in our house Saturday night. Despite our strong will, it just wasn't meant to happen. Our girls came downstairs with dripping foreheads. Yea, we had a grande sleep-over at Mel's sister's house that night (thanks Matt and Renee!). Thanks to a good friend, we finally got the air conditioner fixed and were able to sleep in our own house Sunday night.
Next time an appliance has to go out in the middle of the summer, I nominate the toaster.
In case you weren't aware, southern Utah has been hovering around 108 degrees during the day. Without the luxury of an air conditioner, it doesn't take long before your clothes are sticking to you like to got dunked in rubber cement.
We tried to sleep in our house Saturday night. Despite our strong will, it just wasn't meant to happen. Our girls came downstairs with dripping foreheads. Yea, we had a grande sleep-over at Mel's sister's house that night (thanks Matt and Renee!). Thanks to a good friend, we finally got the air conditioner fixed and were able to sleep in our own house Sunday night.
Next time an appliance has to go out in the middle of the summer, I nominate the toaster.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Dad Party Day Four
Our trusty internet has been down for a few days delaying our Dad Party updates, so here you go:
We started the final day of the Dad Party with a lemonade stand. Jackson had been talking about it for days and we figured Saturday might be a good day to do it. He had everything elaborately planned out. Sadly, after an hour, the kids had sold three cups and the heat had
done them in. I decided to buy them out and paid them each fifty cents. The Dansie’s also contributed a dollar to the cause which was really nice. The kids were happy about that.
For lunch we went to McDonald’s and the kids played in the Germ Zone. Oops. I mean, Play Zone. Truth be told, I took them there for a selfish reason. My body was begging for a fatty, calorie-infested, artery-clogging, greasy Big Mac. My body begs for one every few months. I can’t help it.
Against the resistance of some pre-schooler/ kindergartener / second-grader attitude we managed to get the house cleaned up before Mel’s arrival. The Dad Party was like a long vacation: you’re glad you get to do it, and you’re glad when it’s done. Welcome Home Mel!
done them in. I decided to buy them out and paid them each fifty cents. The Dansie’s also contributed a dollar to the cause which was really nice. The kids were happy about that.For lunch we went to McDonald’s and the kids played in the Germ Zone. Oops. I mean, Play Zone. Truth be told, I took them there for a selfish reason. My body was begging for a fatty, calorie-infested, artery-clogging, greasy Big Mac. My body begs for one every few months. I can’t help it.
Against the resistance of some pre-schooler/ kindergartener / second-grader attitude we managed to get the house cleaned up before Mel’s arrival. The Dad Party was like a long vacation: you’re glad you get to do it, and you’re glad when it’s done. Welcome Home Mel!
Dad Party Day Three
Dad Party Day Three was a little mellower than previous days. One slight snag in today’s Dad Party is the fact that my throat feels like I swallowed a porcupine. He’s currently doing summersaults near my Adam’s apple. Grrrr. We did the park again this morning, and then just took it easy around the house. I got a little nap which was nice.
You want to know something else that’s been nice about having Mel gone? Five words: Leaving The Toilet Seat Up. I haven’t gotten guff about that for three days! I’m generally a considerate male who puts the toilet seat down so no females end up sitting in water, although it does seem a bit sexist that males are always the ones having to adjust the toilet seat instead of females. If it minimizes guff though, I’m willing to do it.
I got a music order today from someone in Canada who said that a friend sent them my CD from Iran (Iran!?!) who got it from a friend of hers in the Czech Republic (Czech Republic!?!). Crazy. I want written in my obituary “He had a fan of his music in Iran.”
The excitement of the day came from Jackson losing a tooth. He has seriously been wiggling this tooth ten hours a day for the last three days. We finished up the day with a movie and anticipation of Mom being home tomorrow.
You want to know something else that’s been nice about having Mel gone? Five words: Leaving The Toilet Seat Up. I haven’t gotten guff about that for three days! I’m generally a considerate male who puts the toilet seat down so no females end up sitting in water, although it does seem a bit sexist that males are always the ones having to adjust the toilet seat instead of females. If it minimizes guff though, I’m willing to do it.
I got a music order today from someone in Canada who said that a friend sent them my CD from Iran (Iran!?!) who got it from a friend of hers in the Czech Republic (Czech Republic!?!). Crazy. I want written in my obituary “He had a fan of his music in Iran.”
The excitement of the day came from Jackson losing a tooth. He has seriously been wiggling this tooth ten hours a day for the last three days. We finished up the day with a movie and anticipation of Mom being home tomorrow.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Dad Party Day Two
Dad Party Day Two went really well. I’m coming to realize that sleeping in is not one of the perks of Dad Parties. After some time on the exercise bike I joined the kids in coloring some pictures. In the afternoon we stopped by the library and happened to walk in at the exact moment that a magic show was starting. Although the kids looked like orphans, I decided to let them be seen in public anyway. The magic show was a hit.
We got a pizza for lunch and headed to the park to have a picnic and play. By this time the temperature outside had equaled that of a pizza oven, but the red faces were a small price to pay for time at the playground.
Later in the day, I became a hero in the Reese household (and to the neighbor boy) when we heard the ice cream man coming down the road, and “put some bread in his jar”. Granted, I shelled out $7 for some frozen treats but the kids were almost as excited as when we told them we were going to Disneyland.
The day concluded with dinner and a trip to the splash pad. Over the course of the day I managed to 1) do the dishes, 2) cook dinner (better than last night), 3) do a load of laundry, 4) get the whole upstairs, (which was previously a tornado disaster zone) cleaned spotless with the help of three little kids, and 5) vacuum the house. I AM MR. MOM.
Lessons learned from Dad Party Day Two:
1) I could be a stay-at-home dad and love it.
2) It’s much easier to get the house cleaned when you make it fun and be willing to help out instead of just telling the kids to go clean up.
3) It’s nice to have a wife around for moral support, and to be there for an adult conversation, and to cook good food, and to have someone to laugh with, and to have someone to wrangle kids when I’m worn out, and to have someone who would smile and support paying $7 for ice cream.
We got a pizza for lunch and headed to the park to have a picnic and play. By this time the temperature outside had equaled that of a pizza oven, but the red faces were a small price to pay for time at the playground.
Later in the day, I became a hero in the Reese household (and to the neighbor boy) when we heard the ice cream man coming down the road, and “put some bread in his jar”. Granted, I shelled out $7 for some frozen treats but the kids were almost as excited as when we told them we were going to Disneyland.
The day concluded with dinner and a trip to the splash pad. Over the course of the day I managed to 1) do the dishes, 2) cook dinner (better than last night), 3) do a load of laundry, 4) get the whole upstairs, (which was previously a tornado disaster zone) cleaned spotless with the help of three little kids, and 5) vacuum the house. I AM MR. MOM.
Lessons learned from Dad Party Day Two:
1) I could be a stay-at-home dad and love it.
2) It’s much easier to get the house cleaned when you make it fun and be willing to help out instead of just telling the kids to go clean up.
3) It’s nice to have a wife around for moral support, and to be there for an adult conversation, and to cook good food, and to have someone to laugh with, and to have someone to wrangle kids when I’m worn out, and to have someone who would smile and support paying $7 for ice cream.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Dad Party Day One
Dad Party Day 1 is officially in the history books. Mel flew to Idaho this morning for a Scentsy convention, leaving me home with the youngsters for what has been termed a four-day “Dad Party”. Day One started out a little rough on account of the fact that we all went to the play Les Miserables last night and didn’t get to bed until 1:00am. Clearly my definition of time to wake up is different than a four year old’s definition.
We made a trip to the grocery store for the essentials: bread, milk, grapes, candy and ice cream. I became a legend in my kid’s eyes by doing one simple act: letting them get a regular-size candy bar for a treat. The last time that happened was…….never. We had a water balloon fight, watched some Napoleon Dynamite, and wrapped up the day with some left over sparklers. I learned a few important lessons today:
1) I make TERRIBLE spaghetti. It ended up as one giant blob of stuck together noodles that we almost needed steak knives to cut through. Fortunately the kids didn’t notice and Jackson indicated that this was some of the best spaghetti he’s ever had.
2) It is a TERRIBLE idea to get your kids all hopped up on sugar by letting them inhale a candy bar. That is unless you like to see them bounce around like an angry bumble bee in a Mason jar.
We made a trip to the grocery store for the essentials: bread, milk, grapes, candy and ice cream. I became a legend in my kid’s eyes by doing one simple act: letting them get a regular-size candy bar for a treat. The last time that happened was…….never. We had a water balloon fight, watched some Napoleon Dynamite, and wrapped up the day with some left over sparklers. I learned a few important lessons today:
1) I make TERRIBLE spaghetti. It ended up as one giant blob of stuck together noodles that we almost needed steak knives to cut through. Fortunately the kids didn’t notice and Jackson indicated that this was some of the best spaghetti he’s ever had.
2) It is a TERRIBLE idea to get your kids all hopped up on sugar by letting them inhale a candy bar. That is unless you like to see them bounce around like an angry bumble bee in a Mason jar.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Curse Glenn Beck!
Glenn Beck is by far the funniest, most intelligent, most entertaining guy in talk radio. I enjoy the fact that I have a half hour drive to work each morning because I get to listen to Glenn Beck.
I'm currently holding a bit of a grudge toward him though. Three weeks ago Glenn was talking about how he couldn't eat Lucky Charms because the marshmallows were just too weird and foamy. He said it was like eating something from Dow Chemical. Or asbestos.
Hearing his discussion about Lucky Charms stirred up a craving within my soul. Unlike Glenn, I love the marshmallows, but I hadn't had Lucky Charms for years. I stopped at the grocery store and bought a bag of Marshmallow Mateys (cheaper bagged cereal), and ate it over the next few meals.
I have now developed an addiction to Marshmallow Mateys. I could eat heaping bowls of them for every meal and be as happy as a cat in an aviary. I only eat home-cooked dinners because it's polite and my wife goes to the effort to cook (absolutely no offense Mel, those Mateys are just so good!!!).
I blame my bad, sugar-ridden habit on Glenn. I'm sure this craving will eventually pass, but in the mean time I'll continue to buy this scrumptious meal by the bag full.
I'm currently holding a bit of a grudge toward him though. Three weeks ago Glenn was talking about how he couldn't eat Lucky Charms because the marshmallows were just too weird and foamy. He said it was like eating something from Dow Chemical. Or asbestos.
Hearing his discussion about Lucky Charms stirred up a craving within my soul. Unlike Glenn, I love the marshmallows, but I hadn't had Lucky Charms for years. I stopped at the grocery store and bought a bag of Marshmallow Mateys (cheaper bagged cereal), and ate it over the next few meals.
I have now developed an addiction to Marshmallow Mateys. I could eat heaping bowls of them for every meal and be as happy as a cat in an aviary. I only eat home-cooked dinners because it's polite and my wife goes to the effort to cook (absolutely no offense Mel, those Mateys are just so good!!!).
I blame my bad, sugar-ridden habit on Glenn. I'm sure this craving will eventually pass, but in the mean time I'll continue to buy this scrumptious meal by the bag full.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Stop - Hammer Time!
I went out walking today and happend to be passed by someone I know in the neighborhood driving a convertable. He's a little older, and apparently a little outdated. As he drove past he said "Hey cool stud!"
I'm approximating that the last time I was called a "cool stud" was, oh, 1991? So since that time one of two things have happened. Either 1) I was once a cool stud, then was no longer a cool stud (highly likely) so nobody was compelled to say that to me, and then as of this morning I became a cool stud again, or 2) NOBODY uses the phrase "cool stud" anymore.
It spawned a two minute trip down memory lane to a time when I blasted MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice on my ghettoblaster. When I wasted hours in front of a TV screen playing Duck Hunt. When Spandex and fanny packs were okay to wear. When minivans were the cool new thing on the road. Ah, the good old days.
I don't miss MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice. Or Duck Hunt. Or fanny packs. Or minivans. I actually don't really miss being called a cool stud either.
I'm approximating that the last time I was called a "cool stud" was, oh, 1991? So since that time one of two things have happened. Either 1) I was once a cool stud, then was no longer a cool stud (highly likely) so nobody was compelled to say that to me, and then as of this morning I became a cool stud again, or 2) NOBODY uses the phrase "cool stud" anymore.
It spawned a two minute trip down memory lane to a time when I blasted MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice on my ghettoblaster. When I wasted hours in front of a TV screen playing Duck Hunt. When Spandex and fanny packs were okay to wear. When minivans were the cool new thing on the road. Ah, the good old days.
I don't miss MC Hammer or Vanilla Ice. Or Duck Hunt. Or fanny packs. Or minivans. I actually don't really miss being called a cool stud either.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
So Far, So Good
For the last five days, I've been working hard to avoid the chunky burps. The upchuck. The ralphing. The barf. I don't know the root of the problem, but my stomach has ranged from mildly queasy to "watch your feet!" since Sunday. Grrr.
If there is a bright side, a way to see upchucking as "the glass half full", it would have to be the fact that it reminded me of a funny story from a few years ago.
I was working as a therapist at a teen treatment facility. One of the well-intentioned staff members stopped me in a little hallway outside to tell me something about one of the kids in my group. Trouble was that I was on a bee-line to either my office or a bathroom (whichever I got to first) because my lunch was begging to hurl itself out of my mouth. I tried to explain to Marv my dilemma, but to no avail. Within seconds, out she came. Barf splattered everywhere. My eyes were foggy so I'm not sure if it got on Marv's shoes, though I'd make an educated guess that his shoes needed a bath.
So during my illness, my purpose has been to not launch chunks on anybody's shoes. So far, so good.
If there is a bright side, a way to see upchucking as "the glass half full", it would have to be the fact that it reminded me of a funny story from a few years ago.
I was working as a therapist at a teen treatment facility. One of the well-intentioned staff members stopped me in a little hallway outside to tell me something about one of the kids in my group. Trouble was that I was on a bee-line to either my office or a bathroom (whichever I got to first) because my lunch was begging to hurl itself out of my mouth. I tried to explain to Marv my dilemma, but to no avail. Within seconds, out she came. Barf splattered everywhere. My eyes were foggy so I'm not sure if it got on Marv's shoes, though I'd make an educated guess that his shoes needed a bath.
So during my illness, my purpose has been to not launch chunks on anybody's shoes. So far, so good.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Birthday Bonanza
Last week was crazy at my house. Kylee turned 4 on Tuesday, Danica turned 5 on Thursday, and Jackson turned 7 on Saturday. We capped off the week with a big 'ol birthday bash on Saturday where we let each of our offspring invite five or six of their friends to the party.
Some people would rather let loose a family of rabid coons in their house than have a house-full of 4-7 year-olds all hopped up on sugary birthday cake and candy. Yea. I would be one of those people.
That's why we gathered a gaggle of 4-7 year olds at a park for the birthday party. Then I was perfectly fine with getting the kids all hopped up on sugar. My wife happens to be ultra-creative and has a tradition of making a unique birthday cake for each kid. Jackson chose a bowling alley cake, Danica chose a cake that looked like a campfire, and Kylee chose a fat pig cake. Needless to say, we had enough cake to choke a baby camel. Fortunately, after 15 kids had their share of cake, we came home with just enough to cure a few of my sweet-tooth attacks. Even better, after the party was done our house didn't look like it had been inhabited by rabid coons.
Some people would rather let loose a family of rabid coons in their house than have a house-full of 4-7 year-olds all hopped up on sugary birthday cake and candy. Yea. I would be one of those people.
That's why we gathered a gaggle of 4-7 year olds at a park for the birthday party. Then I was perfectly fine with getting the kids all hopped up on sugar. My wife happens to be ultra-creative and has a tradition of making a unique birthday cake for each kid. Jackson chose a bowling alley cake, Danica chose a cake that looked like a campfire, and Kylee chose a fat pig cake. Needless to say, we had enough cake to choke a baby camel. Fortunately, after 15 kids had their share of cake, we came home with just enough to cure a few of my sweet-tooth attacks. Even better, after the party was done our house didn't look like it had been inhabited by rabid coons.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Bonding With the Dentist
The dentist and I got to spend some more quality bonding time today. Ugh. Apparently I have an abscess tooth or something like that. The phrase that made my stomach jump up to my throat was when he said to the assistant "Go grab the laser. We'll laser it off." I'm serious. Go grab the laser.
They need to come up with some kind of code instead of saying "Go grab the laser." Maybe a phrase like "How was your beef chimichanga?" or "This popcorn is making me thirsty!" Just don't use the word "laser" in any sentence. Ever.
I had fears that maybe he would accidentally turn it up too high which would accidentally turn my head into a sloppy mess of brains and blood and guts. He must have had it on the right level because the laser didn't sever my head from the rest of my body.
Our fun together ended as he was tilting my head back up off the ground and said the words "Come back tomorrow and we'll check it out to see if we need to laser it again."
This popcorn is making me thirsty!
They need to come up with some kind of code instead of saying "Go grab the laser." Maybe a phrase like "How was your beef chimichanga?" or "This popcorn is making me thirsty!" Just don't use the word "laser" in any sentence. Ever.
I had fears that maybe he would accidentally turn it up too high which would accidentally turn my head into a sloppy mess of brains and blood and guts. He must have had it on the right level because the laser didn't sever my head from the rest of my body.
Our fun together ended as he was tilting my head back up off the ground and said the words "Come back tomorrow and we'll check it out to see if we need to laser it again."
This popcorn is making me thirsty!
Monday, July 7, 2008
The Best Daddy She Ever Had
We live across the street from a baseball field where the city sets off the fireworks each 4th of July. This gives us the best seat in the house, unless you count the shrapnel of firework shells that rain down on our yard.
I love fireworks. Love 'em. I look forward to the 4th of July as much as I do Christmas. Sure, part of it is simple gratitude to be living in the country I'm living in. But a really big part is the simple pleasure of seeing colorful explosions in the sky and feeling my body vibrate from the boom. Maybe a portion of my personality is just a red-blooded pyromaniac.
This year I got to hold our three year old (she'll be four tomorrow) Kylee on my lap. My designated job was to cover her ears because she informed me that as much as she loves to see the fireworks, she's not a fan of actually hearing them.
My reward for an honorable duty was to have Kylee give me a kiss after the fireworks and say "You're the best daddy I ever had." It was the perfect way to end our celebration.
I love fireworks. Love 'em. I look forward to the 4th of July as much as I do Christmas. Sure, part of it is simple gratitude to be living in the country I'm living in. But a really big part is the simple pleasure of seeing colorful explosions in the sky and feeling my body vibrate from the boom. Maybe a portion of my personality is just a red-blooded pyromaniac.
This year I got to hold our three year old (she'll be four tomorrow) Kylee on my lap. My designated job was to cover her ears because she informed me that as much as she loves to see the fireworks, she's not a fan of actually hearing them.
My reward for an honorable duty was to have Kylee give me a kiss after the fireworks and say "You're the best daddy I ever had." It was the perfect way to end our celebration.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Getting a Root Canal
I had the pleasure of getting a root canal a few hours ago. Thanks to a good specialist it was bearable. I got to sit back and enjoy the ride and watch the Padres spank the Rockies. Good times.
I used to say things like "I'd rather get a root canal than listen to a Celine Dion CD" or "Given the choice between watching Law and Order or getting a root canal, I'd choose the root canal." The good thing about actually getting a root canal is that I can say with surety that I'd rather get a root canal than listen to a Celine Dion CD. If you asked me today to choose between that and Law and Order, it would be a toss up.
I'm convinced that a better torture for terrorists than water boarding would be to give them lots of root canals while making them listen to Celine Dion on the headphones.
I used to say things like "I'd rather get a root canal than listen to a Celine Dion CD" or "Given the choice between watching Law and Order or getting a root canal, I'd choose the root canal." The good thing about actually getting a root canal is that I can say with surety that I'd rather get a root canal than listen to a Celine Dion CD. If you asked me today to choose between that and Law and Order, it would be a toss up.
I'm convinced that a better torture for terrorists than water boarding would be to give them lots of root canals while making them listen to Celine Dion on the headphones.
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