February 18, 2009

My son, the blogger and President-to-be

When I came home from work, my son stood at the front door with a red notebook in his hand. "I am a blogger, Mommy,” he announced. “Do you want to read it?" I really just wanted to first get in the door, undress, and get relaxed, but…. “Let me see,” I said. He had a few entries. There was one about his bed, one about lunch, and the one I want to share. It is entitled, "My President."
August 19, 2008

Hero or Zero?

I’m not one for doing the blog-retread thing and simply reporting on a story that ran somewhere else (though I do think about it quite a bit). But then I saw the story about some parents who have let their kid drop out of high school to pursue his dreams of…(wait for it)…becoming a professional Guitar Hero video gamer.
July 30, 2008

K-Man and the Firefighters

I know that I write a lot about doing whatever I can to make sure that K-Man is in a position to go after his passions and dreams (and, more importantly, that he feels encouraged to do so). While I hesitate to call myself obsessed with this (for reasons that are far better discussed on a therapist’s couch), I am always keenly aware of what makes the kid get excited. Today, I flat out asked him.
July 21, 2008

Death, taxes and a red pocket T

We all know the mantra that the only givens in life are death and taxes. But, K-Man has his own take on this cliché. In his world, the only true given is a red pocket T-shirt. It’s the shirt he wears every day. Every. Day. Not parts of the day. All day. Every day. (That is, until he puts on his firefighter pajamas.) Whatever you do, don’t try to get him into another shirt.

July 17, 2008

On a wing and a prayer

There’s no doubt that we are experiencing some trying economic times. Gas prices climb to astronomical numbers (the lowest I ever remember was $.59 – I guess I’m old), milk prices are rising and…well, what prices aren’t skyrocketing? It’s during these times that the pressure to provide also grows, and the work-life balancing act that parents must perform daily becomes more complicated and treacherous.

May 26, 2008

My Harley-Davidson: Sold

I’m no longer the proud owner of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It’s been two days since I sold my bike. And, I’m still a bit sad. There’s a bit of a hole in my identity, just as there is in the garage where the giant bike sat for the last four years. I had wanted a Harley since I was five. I had one. Now…I don’t. But, having that Harley in my garage was a bit like having a German Shepherd in a small apartment – such animals need open spaces, they need to get out and run. I know my bike is in a better place and that makes me feel better.
April 24, 2008

If dreams are the windows to our souls...

Last night I had a long and involved and very detailed dream about being pregnant again. In my dream I was not only pregnant, but pregnant with twin boys. My dream took me through the positive pregnancy test and the discovery, via ultrasound, of the fact that I was carrying twins. It was all so realistic--right down to the numb shock, mixed with creeping delight, at the thought of a new pregnancy. I think, though, that the numb shock won out in the end.

April 7, 2008

A father's legacy

A recent string of events has led me to give a significant amount of thought to the idea of my legacy for K-Man. What kind of lessons will I teach him that he can take through his life? Which of those “My dad always said…” philosophies will he use in different situations – good or bad? Will I be able to provide him with a solid foundation, which will allow him to develop healthy self-esteem and even healthier relationships with family and friends?

February 18, 2008

Give the dream a chance

Another confession: I’m a bit of a TV whore. The writers’ strike took away some of my obsession with the idiot box, but I do truly enjoy parking my (substantial?) arse on the couch and watching me sum teevee!

February 8, 2008

Selling the Harley: Step One

I never actually thought I’d own a Harley Davidson motorcycle. It’s the very reason why I named my dog Harley: So, I could always say I had one. But, I have owned one for four years. And now, it looks like I might actually sell my tragically underused Harley Davidson Road King Classic. For the better part of the last year, it’s been parked in the garage, begging for me to start it up and take it for a ride. And, while I did start it to keep the battery charged – the rides just never happened.