The Fathers Day Dilemma
What to do for Fathers Day...
Last weekend I was at a school carnival with my dear wife and kids. From across the playground, one of the kids called out "Daddy!". You probably guessed it, half of the adults turned their heads. All those well conditioned fathers. Myself included. Being a father is more than having kids, it's a state of mind.
When I dropped the kids off at school today, one of the kids was telling one of the school workers "On Fathers Day, my Dad gets to do anything he wants". I thought "If only...". Okay, I'm sure the "within reason" is assumed. A nice dreamy sentiment nonetheless.
You see, to me Fathers Day is about acknowledging and honoring the Fathers in our lives. Our own fathers first, and then other important fathers. Done with a healthy dose of appreciation. It isn't what you get a father, it's what you give him. I'll spare you my commercialism of special days rant. Just to say, the best things in life aren't things...
Sometimes it's as simple as a letter, phone call, or visit. Taking the time to make dad important. Or just spending time together. Sitting and chatting over good bottle(s) of beer or wine with my dad, what could be better? Or to do something he enjoys with him. Yes, it could be giving him the day to do as he pleases (within reason - loosely translated as keeping the kids and chores out of his way). Quality futzing time is always a welcome luxury. You get the idea. The cards or gifts are just the traipsings that add to the spirit.
Last year my dear wife and kids gave me a home-made booklet of coupons. It had coupons for breakfast in bed, special dinners, hugs, kisses. Stuff like that. While there probably wasn't much I wouldn't have gotten anyway, it was a very nice gesture. It showed thought and spirit. Then I was well fed and had plenty of futzing time that day. I got some handmade cards from the kids. Nothing extravagant.
I know that I am loved and appreciated. What could be better...?
Friday, June 17, 2005
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Changing Course
There are a lot of lessons we learn, not from our own experiences, but from others.
While I was in college I rented a house with 3 other students. One of them had completed his 4 year liberal arts degree. He discovered that the job opportunities this presented to him were less than appealing, so he went back to school.
He entered a 3 year law degree program at a pricey local university, paid for in full by his more than proud dad. The first year was tough. The professors worked the students hard and attrition was high - something like half the class didn't make it to the second year. The second year wasn't much easier. I remember the stacks of books piled in his room and the amount of time he spent pouring over them. But if a student survived the first 2 years, they were considered golden. While the first two years whittled the body count down, the third year was smooth sailing.
My housemate survived the first two years and started the final stretch. Then he had another change of conscience. With little more than half a year to go he decided that a career in law wasn't for him. Everyone questioned his sanity. He had made it too far to quit. Even his professors tried to convince him to stay the course. "At least get the degree". His dad was especially put out.
Do you know what my housemates biggest lament was? He wished that instead of spending the outrageous amount of (his dad's) money on law school, that he had taken it to a quaint village he knew of in Mexico where he could have lived on it very comfortably for 20 years or more. "Like a king"... Of course the reality of being unemployed with little savings set in shortly after.
Was he a fool? Most certainly. But it was his to be. Sometimes we need to pursue a path to find out it really doesn't go where we want to be. There may be other lessons in the story, but the lesson I learned was respecting him for being his own person and making the tough decision. He made a decision that was right for him, even when the easy thing would have been to sell out to the expectations around him.
Random Ponderings...
My health club is in the same building as a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream store. Do you think they increase each other's business?
At my health club the treadmills and stair steppers face a front window. We watch the cars hunting and waiting for parking spaces to open up near the door even when there are plenty of spaces a row further away. Do these drivers think they're conserving energy for their workout?
Why do some women put on makeup right before working out?
Sylvester Stallone has announced tentative plans for new Rambo and Rocky movies. He is also publishing a magazine named "Sly" attempting to appeal to men. Does this count as a mid-life crisis or a late-life crisis? Can't he get into politics like the rest of Hollywood?
There are a lot of lessons we learn, not from our own experiences, but from others.
While I was in college I rented a house with 3 other students. One of them had completed his 4 year liberal arts degree. He discovered that the job opportunities this presented to him were less than appealing, so he went back to school.
He entered a 3 year law degree program at a pricey local university, paid for in full by his more than proud dad. The first year was tough. The professors worked the students hard and attrition was high - something like half the class didn't make it to the second year. The second year wasn't much easier. I remember the stacks of books piled in his room and the amount of time he spent pouring over them. But if a student survived the first 2 years, they were considered golden. While the first two years whittled the body count down, the third year was smooth sailing.
My housemate survived the first two years and started the final stretch. Then he had another change of conscience. With little more than half a year to go he decided that a career in law wasn't for him. Everyone questioned his sanity. He had made it too far to quit. Even his professors tried to convince him to stay the course. "At least get the degree". His dad was especially put out.
Do you know what my housemates biggest lament was? He wished that instead of spending the outrageous amount of (his dad's) money on law school, that he had taken it to a quaint village he knew of in Mexico where he could have lived on it very comfortably for 20 years or more. "Like a king"... Of course the reality of being unemployed with little savings set in shortly after.
Was he a fool? Most certainly. But it was his to be. Sometimes we need to pursue a path to find out it really doesn't go where we want to be. There may be other lessons in the story, but the lesson I learned was respecting him for being his own person and making the tough decision. He made a decision that was right for him, even when the easy thing would have been to sell out to the expectations around him.
Random Ponderings...
My health club is in the same building as a Baskin Robbins Ice Cream store. Do you think they increase each other's business?
At my health club the treadmills and stair steppers face a front window. We watch the cars hunting and waiting for parking spaces to open up near the door even when there are plenty of spaces a row further away. Do these drivers think they're conserving energy for their workout?
Why do some women put on makeup right before working out?
Sylvester Stallone has announced tentative plans for new Rambo and Rocky movies. He is also publishing a magazine named "Sly" attempting to appeal to men. Does this count as a mid-life crisis or a late-life crisis? Can't he get into politics like the rest of Hollywood?
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
But Will The World Get Squeaky?
I just filled the gas tank ... ouch! World oil usage projections vary, but predictions are we have enough oil around the world to last 50 years, give or take. The faster we can pump it out, the lower the price will stay (basic supply and demand). So guess what the consumer nations are focused on? Find it, pump it, keep it affordable, we'll worry about the rest later. Somehow I think my ouch at the pump is minor compared to what we face...
Bridezilla
This past weekend my family and I went to a bridal BBQ. A long-time friend of my wife is getting married in about a year. She was a Bridesmaid in our wedding. My wife has agreed to be a Bridesmaid for hers. The bride-to-be is a sweetheart, but bit of a character. Yes, she has her quirks and is fondly called Bridezilla by all involved... She decided on a rather expensive fashion name wedding gown. This means the bridesmaids also get to pay for that name for their gowns. I know this rankles my wife a bit, since she didn't let herself get caught up in the fashion extravagance for our wedding and kept costs reasonable. I am dumbfounded by the idea of a 5 figure wedding gown... My wife looked beautiful in a gown costing much less. And I have the pictures to prove it!
The Efficient Workout
I recently got a junk mail from The Blitz. The "20 Minute Total Fitness For Men" place that combines resistance machines and heavy punching/kicking bags. I'm still skeptical, it takes me at least 20 minutes to get properly warmed up and ready for a workout... I just see this as a rushed workout with high potential for strains and pains in the name of expedience. While I can see how their marketing appeals to the efficiency minded I am also reminded that it takes time to do things right. Thank you very much, but I'll take effective over efficient any day.
Also recently, I was at my gym and struck up a conversation with a woman next to me while doing warmup stretches. I mentioned how I was trying to entice my wife to try out this gym. She responded that she really didn't come there to work out very often. She prefers Yoga. Her husband is a chiropractor and deals with people with joint and back pains all the time. He's told her that if everyone did Yoga, he'd be out of a job. It wasn't exactly the testimonial I was looking for. But it got me thinking ... instead of enticing my wife, I should be revisiting Yoga myself. I did Yoga many years ago and still remember it was good.
My gym has started its spring promotions and the place is packed. I overheard a member I recognize ask one of the trainers about the crowd. The response "just wait 2 weeks and it'll be back to normal" is telling. Too many newcomers are looking for quick, easy results or are unwilling to make the time and give up. I have to admire the regulars who persist. Those who persist know that it takes time and effort. And there is never enough time unless you make the time...
I just filled the gas tank ... ouch! World oil usage projections vary, but predictions are we have enough oil around the world to last 50 years, give or take. The faster we can pump it out, the lower the price will stay (basic supply and demand). So guess what the consumer nations are focused on? Find it, pump it, keep it affordable, we'll worry about the rest later. Somehow I think my ouch at the pump is minor compared to what we face...
Bridezilla
This past weekend my family and I went to a bridal BBQ. A long-time friend of my wife is getting married in about a year. She was a Bridesmaid in our wedding. My wife has agreed to be a Bridesmaid for hers. The bride-to-be is a sweetheart, but bit of a character. Yes, she has her quirks and is fondly called Bridezilla by all involved... She decided on a rather expensive fashion name wedding gown. This means the bridesmaids also get to pay for that name for their gowns. I know this rankles my wife a bit, since she didn't let herself get caught up in the fashion extravagance for our wedding and kept costs reasonable. I am dumbfounded by the idea of a 5 figure wedding gown... My wife looked beautiful in a gown costing much less. And I have the pictures to prove it!
The Efficient Workout
I recently got a junk mail from The Blitz. The "20 Minute Total Fitness For Men" place that combines resistance machines and heavy punching/kicking bags. I'm still skeptical, it takes me at least 20 minutes to get properly warmed up and ready for a workout... I just see this as a rushed workout with high potential for strains and pains in the name of expedience. While I can see how their marketing appeals to the efficiency minded I am also reminded that it takes time to do things right. Thank you very much, but I'll take effective over efficient any day.
Also recently, I was at my gym and struck up a conversation with a woman next to me while doing warmup stretches. I mentioned how I was trying to entice my wife to try out this gym. She responded that she really didn't come there to work out very often. She prefers Yoga. Her husband is a chiropractor and deals with people with joint and back pains all the time. He's told her that if everyone did Yoga, he'd be out of a job. It wasn't exactly the testimonial I was looking for. But it got me thinking ... instead of enticing my wife, I should be revisiting Yoga myself. I did Yoga many years ago and still remember it was good.
My gym has started its spring promotions and the place is packed. I overheard a member I recognize ask one of the trainers about the crowd. The response "just wait 2 weeks and it'll be back to normal" is telling. Too many newcomers are looking for quick, easy results or are unwilling to make the time and give up. I have to admire the regulars who persist. Those who persist know that it takes time and effort. And there is never enough time unless you make the time...
Friday, April 08, 2005
Relentless Reality
This morning it was chilly outside and just beginning to rain. On the way out the front door, my younger daughter and I were wearing cozy warm jackets, my older daughter was wearing a t-shirt. So I told my jacketless daughter "You should wear a jacket today". Then I asked her after we got outside "Are you sure you don't want a jacket?". Once we got to school and she had her arms wrapped around herself I asked "Aren't you cold?". Each time, I got a "no"... So we arrived at the playground where the supervising teachers took a look at my daughter, and then at me with quizzical looks. Right away they asked my daughter "Why aren't you wearing a jacket?" while glancing at me. There she was acting cold, but saying she's fine and making excuses for not bringing a jacket... I explained it to them, and they agreed it's her lesson to learn.
Alas ... people, even kids need to take responsibility for their decisions and actions ... which brings me to:
Adventures at Target
I picked up some Easter goodies this year, and was impressed by the five short aisles at Target stacked with candies, baskets, and plushies lining both sides. Do we really consume that much? I was especially intrigues by ... and I'm not making this up ... the low-carb candy section. What intrigues me most is the conflicting compulsions working together in the marketing. The compulsion for sweets and the compulsion to think we're doing something good for ourselves. Sweets with half the guilt! These sweet aren't as bad for you as those, which somehow makes them good...
But ... we all know the Easter Bunny doesn't bring low-carb candy.
I also looked at girls panties for my eldest daughter who has fussed about her underwear showing. She wears regular, high waisted panties and pants and apparently some of the kids at school make fun of panties showing in the back when bending over or such. So she is trying to make sure they won't show. I figured a different style might be available. Wonder of wonders, not only does Target have bikini cut panties for gradeschoolers, they have fashion panties. Somehow I find this a bit disturbing...
...meanwhile, I can't wait for the day my daughter announces she needs low cut pants to show off her undies or wants a tramp-stamp tattoo as is popular now. Hopefully fashion will change by then, but I'm afraid to ponder what it will change to...
Near the toy section I came across a dumpy woman (I'm trying to be polite here) with an out-of- control young boy who was busy pulling toys out of boxes. The mom was apathetically pushing her cart along and reaching into her purse, open at the top, for cookies. I doubt they were low-carb ... or even paid for. Into her mouth they'd go. It was one of those scenes that just had me shaking my head. A blaring statement of irresponsibility in action. But what can you do other than alert the store staff to shake their heads with you.
Our target has a shopping cart conveyor between floors. It is in between the escalators and runs up and down along side them. You push your cart through some flapper style doors and it latches onto the cart and keeps it level as it conveys it up or down. Another technological marvel that makes a lot of sense. There are plenty of safety barriers and warning signs, of course, telling you to do things like remove any children. Too bad ... I could see my kids spending hours on that ride.
The carts also have radio controlled wheel locks. This Target has a single large entrance into a mall, and if you ignore the big signs and try to take a cart through that entrance into the mall the back wheels lock up. This can also happen if you get in range in the sections just to the side of the entrance, and can lead to a rather surprising jolt. They keep a security person near that entrance to unlock the wheel of people learning about not taking them into the mall. The funny thing is that you can take the carts out into the parking lot to unload. Just not into the mall.
Oh well, I'm sure many more shopping adventures await us ... and life's observations.
This morning it was chilly outside and just beginning to rain. On the way out the front door, my younger daughter and I were wearing cozy warm jackets, my older daughter was wearing a t-shirt. So I told my jacketless daughter "You should wear a jacket today". Then I asked her after we got outside "Are you sure you don't want a jacket?". Once we got to school and she had her arms wrapped around herself I asked "Aren't you cold?". Each time, I got a "no"... So we arrived at the playground where the supervising teachers took a look at my daughter, and then at me with quizzical looks. Right away they asked my daughter "Why aren't you wearing a jacket?" while glancing at me. There she was acting cold, but saying she's fine and making excuses for not bringing a jacket... I explained it to them, and they agreed it's her lesson to learn.
Alas ... people, even kids need to take responsibility for their decisions and actions ... which brings me to:
Adventures at Target
I picked up some Easter goodies this year, and was impressed by the five short aisles at Target stacked with candies, baskets, and plushies lining both sides. Do we really consume that much? I was especially intrigues by ... and I'm not making this up ... the low-carb candy section. What intrigues me most is the conflicting compulsions working together in the marketing. The compulsion for sweets and the compulsion to think we're doing something good for ourselves. Sweets with half the guilt! These sweet aren't as bad for you as those, which somehow makes them good...
But ... we all know the Easter Bunny doesn't bring low-carb candy.
I also looked at girls panties for my eldest daughter who has fussed about her underwear showing. She wears regular, high waisted panties and pants and apparently some of the kids at school make fun of panties showing in the back when bending over or such. So she is trying to make sure they won't show. I figured a different style might be available. Wonder of wonders, not only does Target have bikini cut panties for gradeschoolers, they have fashion panties. Somehow I find this a bit disturbing...
...meanwhile, I can't wait for the day my daughter announces she needs low cut pants to show off her undies or wants a tramp-stamp tattoo as is popular now. Hopefully fashion will change by then, but I'm afraid to ponder what it will change to...
Near the toy section I came across a dumpy woman (I'm trying to be polite here) with an out-of- control young boy who was busy pulling toys out of boxes. The mom was apathetically pushing her cart along and reaching into her purse, open at the top, for cookies. I doubt they were low-carb ... or even paid for. Into her mouth they'd go. It was one of those scenes that just had me shaking my head. A blaring statement of irresponsibility in action. But what can you do other than alert the store staff to shake their heads with you.
Our target has a shopping cart conveyor between floors. It is in between the escalators and runs up and down along side them. You push your cart through some flapper style doors and it latches onto the cart and keeps it level as it conveys it up or down. Another technological marvel that makes a lot of sense. There are plenty of safety barriers and warning signs, of course, telling you to do things like remove any children. Too bad ... I could see my kids spending hours on that ride.
The carts also have radio controlled wheel locks. This Target has a single large entrance into a mall, and if you ignore the big signs and try to take a cart through that entrance into the mall the back wheels lock up. This can also happen if you get in range in the sections just to the side of the entrance, and can lead to a rather surprising jolt. They keep a security person near that entrance to unlock the wheel of people learning about not taking them into the mall. The funny thing is that you can take the carts out into the parking lot to unload. Just not into the mall.
Oh well, I'm sure many more shopping adventures await us ... and life's observations.
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Life Is
Taking the first thing that comes to your mind, complete the sentence:
Life is ...
Even better, write down that sentence and use it as a response (comment) below.
Back during the "Happiness is..." era, I had a housemate who collected phrases starting with "life is...". It was a quirky hobby, but it was also entertaining what people came up with. He would just ask and wait for a response. The first time he asked me (completely out of the blue, as always) I remember that I was feeling a bit of a curmudgeon with my work and school load and mumbled something like "life is inflicted on us". I don't think he expected something that dark from me, paused a moment, and then wandered off jotting it down. Normally I'm much more of a "life is good" guy. Plain and simple and optimistically upbeat. Years later...
A favorite of my wife and I is Jake, the "life is good" guy that we now have on a number of our shirts. A worthy message. Because, in spite of all the detractors, life is good.
The results of completing that phrase often reflects on moods or philosophical pondering. Over the years I've run across some good additions to the collection and made note...
My list along the way:
-----------------------------------------------
Life is like a handkerchief sandwich.
Life is a bitch, then you die.
Life is a long and winding road.
Life is a game where the object of the game is to figure out the rules.
Life is what you make of it.
Life is a small boat tossed about in a big sea of hopes.
Life is a miracle.
Life is a Long Song (Jethro Tull).
Life is killing me.
Life is too short for cheap beer (booze, chocolate, etc).
Life is for living.
Life is but a dream (childrens song; Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
...life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. (Forrest Gump)
Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. (John Lennon)
Life is your story, and if you aren't going to be the hero then who is?
Life is good!
Please add yours below...
Taking the first thing that comes to your mind, complete the sentence:
Life is ...
Even better, write down that sentence and use it as a response (comment) below.
Back during the "Happiness is..." era, I had a housemate who collected phrases starting with "life is...". It was a quirky hobby, but it was also entertaining what people came up with. He would just ask and wait for a response. The first time he asked me (completely out of the blue, as always) I remember that I was feeling a bit of a curmudgeon with my work and school load and mumbled something like "life is inflicted on us". I don't think he expected something that dark from me, paused a moment, and then wandered off jotting it down. Normally I'm much more of a "life is good" guy. Plain and simple and optimistically upbeat. Years later...
A favorite of my wife and I is Jake, the "life is good" guy that we now have on a number of our shirts. A worthy message. Because, in spite of all the detractors, life is good.
The results of completing that phrase often reflects on moods or philosophical pondering. Over the years I've run across some good additions to the collection and made note...
My list along the way:
-----------------------------------------------
Life is like a handkerchief sandwich.
Life is a bitch, then you die.
Life is a long and winding road.
Life is a game where the object of the game is to figure out the rules.
Life is what you make of it.
Life is a small boat tossed about in a big sea of hopes.
Life is a miracle.
Life is a Long Song (Jethro Tull).
Life is killing me.
Life is too short for cheap beer (booze, chocolate, etc).
Life is for living.
Life is but a dream (childrens song; Row, Row, Row Your Boat)
...life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. (Forrest Gump)
Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans. (John Lennon)
Life is your story, and if you aren't going to be the hero then who is?
Life is good!
Please add yours below...
Friday, March 25, 2005
Little Squaw with Big Eagle Feathers
My eldest daughter is studying Native American history in her 3rd grade class. Earlier this week she came home wearing a headdress that was a headband with feathers she made out of decorated construction paper. The next day she wore it back to school again. While I was tempted to ask "aren't you too old to wear stuff like that", I also remember back to when I was her age and the fun imaginary times I enjoyed. Given the chance, I would have worn Batman or some other superhero garb through most of early grade school. I know someday she will outgrow it, which makes it that much more precious today. Plus I can get those embarrassing photos to show later...
The reason she was wearing it? She was playing "Cops and Indians" with the boys. She was one of the chiefs that the cops had to catch. The total mismatch and disregard of stereotypes had me chuckling.
After she headed out to play I got the chance to talk with her teacher who was monitoring the playground. She told me about how careful they have to be with the materials so that they are "politically correct" and age-relevant. While I hope my daughter does learn the truthful history, I also realize that the truths of the European territorial aggression, subjugation, slavery and genocide of the native peoples that led to the North American nations we have today raises a lot of philosophical and humanity questions that she isn't ready for. So Cops and Indians it is, for now.
Yes, I do call her "little squaw with big eagle feathers" when she puts the headdress on. Sure there's a little poke of fun in there and I think she knows it. But there is also a good dose of acknowledgment and respect in there too.
My eldest daughter is studying Native American history in her 3rd grade class. Earlier this week she came home wearing a headdress that was a headband with feathers she made out of decorated construction paper. The next day she wore it back to school again. While I was tempted to ask "aren't you too old to wear stuff like that", I also remember back to when I was her age and the fun imaginary times I enjoyed. Given the chance, I would have worn Batman or some other superhero garb through most of early grade school. I know someday she will outgrow it, which makes it that much more precious today. Plus I can get those embarrassing photos to show later...
The reason she was wearing it? She was playing "Cops and Indians" with the boys. She was one of the chiefs that the cops had to catch. The total mismatch and disregard of stereotypes had me chuckling.
After she headed out to play I got the chance to talk with her teacher who was monitoring the playground. She told me about how careful they have to be with the materials so that they are "politically correct" and age-relevant. While I hope my daughter does learn the truthful history, I also realize that the truths of the European territorial aggression, subjugation, slavery and genocide of the native peoples that led to the North American nations we have today raises a lot of philosophical and humanity questions that she isn't ready for. So Cops and Indians it is, for now.
Yes, I do call her "little squaw with big eagle feathers" when she puts the headdress on. Sure there's a little poke of fun in there and I think she knows it. But there is also a good dose of acknowledgment and respect in there too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Life's Frailty
When does life start? When does life end? These are cosmic questions and I won't pretend to know the answer. They are questions that we may never understand the true answer to. It is the realm of beliefs and faiths. With so many different beliefs, it is certain that some must be wrong but there is no certainty that any are right.
There is a time to welcome life. There is a time to let life go. Just as it is noble to welcome a newborn, or to save a life, it is noble to accept someone's passing. It does not decrease the value of life. It accepts that a life that has ebbed will end. It celebrates a life that hopefully was well lived, while accepting that it is or will soon be gone. Death is the antithesis of life. No matter how much we resist or deny it, it is inevitable. We enjoy the life we have, and our interactions with others. For there is no other course.
No parent should outlive their kids. Many children have to deal with the passing of their parents, and the passing can never happen too late. We are reminded of the frailty of life daily. We may not want to face it or admit it, but the end is not in our control. I wish my parents would live forever but know they won't. I hope my kids outlive me and do my best to assure it, but know that it is not mine to say. And so I look forward to enjoying as long a life with them as I can.
Now we are faced with the all too sensationalized news of the parents and loved ones at odds over the fate of Terri Schiavo. Is it nobler to insert a feeding tube to keep her from starving to death? Or to let this severely brain damaged woman's body die naturally? She can not do anything to keep herself alive. But the doctors can keep her body alive. They have for over a third of her ... existence. She may have passed away 14 years ago. We can't know. But we know her body is alive. How long should they sustain her? Sometimes it is hard to let go of hope. Sometimes it is hard to let go... Her husband has let go. Her parents haven't. It has become a press and politics circus.
My condolences to all involved. May they find solace.
When does life start? When does life end? These are cosmic questions and I won't pretend to know the answer. They are questions that we may never understand the true answer to. It is the realm of beliefs and faiths. With so many different beliefs, it is certain that some must be wrong but there is no certainty that any are right.
There is a time to welcome life. There is a time to let life go. Just as it is noble to welcome a newborn, or to save a life, it is noble to accept someone's passing. It does not decrease the value of life. It accepts that a life that has ebbed will end. It celebrates a life that hopefully was well lived, while accepting that it is or will soon be gone. Death is the antithesis of life. No matter how much we resist or deny it, it is inevitable. We enjoy the life we have, and our interactions with others. For there is no other course.
No parent should outlive their kids. Many children have to deal with the passing of their parents, and the passing can never happen too late. We are reminded of the frailty of life daily. We may not want to face it or admit it, but the end is not in our control. I wish my parents would live forever but know they won't. I hope my kids outlive me and do my best to assure it, but know that it is not mine to say. And so I look forward to enjoying as long a life with them as I can.
Now we are faced with the all too sensationalized news of the parents and loved ones at odds over the fate of Terri Schiavo. Is it nobler to insert a feeding tube to keep her from starving to death? Or to let this severely brain damaged woman's body die naturally? She can not do anything to keep herself alive. But the doctors can keep her body alive. They have for over a third of her ... existence. She may have passed away 14 years ago. We can't know. But we know her body is alive. How long should they sustain her? Sometimes it is hard to let go of hope. Sometimes it is hard to let go... Her husband has let go. Her parents haven't. It has become a press and politics circus.
My condolences to all involved. May they find solace.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Adventure...
After I posted the blog with the Carpe Diem snippet I mentioned to my dear wife that I had a new blog up. She read that snippet and questioned my motives... Was I saying I had the urge for a mid-life crisis? What was all this about wanting an adventure?
Hmmm, what were my motives?
Now, I do have to admit that there are certain 2 seater roadsters that look more appealing lately, but I was joking about my wife's pointing out on several occasions that she is my "mid-life" crisis and how it is good to have it (just the crisis part, not the wife or life part) behind me. Always meant in good humor.
Adventure is calling. Heck, it always is. You just have to stop and listen... We all have outings or adventures that beckon us. The "spice of life" kind of stuff. Sometimes they are simple and in our own backyards. Sometimes they are complex and halfway around the world. The challenge becomes making them happen.
...and yes honey, you're invited.
The TV Trap
The broadcast marketing machine is alive and well with Americans watching more TV than ever.
Are you ready for TV-Turnoff Week : April 25 - May 1, 2005? A token statement, if you ask me. But it does bring attention to one of our societal compulsions.
The best statistics I can find online are outdated. This is ironic, considering the networks have very recent numbers. But then, they pay big bucks for them.
According to 2000 Nielsen Media Research study estimates, televisions were on 7 hours a day in the typical home and the average American spent nearly 4 hours a day watching TV. The average child spent more time over the course of a year watching TV than they spent in school. By the age of 65, if you are average, you will have spent 9 years of your life watching television! This does not count time spent watching videos or playing video games. Yikes! And apparently these numbers have gone up since then.
Other interesting TV related snippets:
House of Representatives Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005
Facts and Figures about our TV habits (pdf)
...it sure does look like a good day to get outside!
After I posted the blog with the Carpe Diem snippet I mentioned to my dear wife that I had a new blog up. She read that snippet and questioned my motives... Was I saying I had the urge for a mid-life crisis? What was all this about wanting an adventure?
Hmmm, what were my motives?
Now, I do have to admit that there are certain 2 seater roadsters that look more appealing lately, but I was joking about my wife's pointing out on several occasions that she is my "mid-life" crisis and how it is good to have it (just the crisis part, not the wife or life part) behind me. Always meant in good humor.
Adventure is calling. Heck, it always is. You just have to stop and listen... We all have outings or adventures that beckon us. The "spice of life" kind of stuff. Sometimes they are simple and in our own backyards. Sometimes they are complex and halfway around the world. The challenge becomes making them happen.
...and yes honey, you're invited.
The TV Trap
The broadcast marketing machine is alive and well with Americans watching more TV than ever.
Are you ready for TV-Turnoff Week : April 25 - May 1, 2005? A token statement, if you ask me. But it does bring attention to one of our societal compulsions.
The best statistics I can find online are outdated. This is ironic, considering the networks have very recent numbers. But then, they pay big bucks for them.
According to 2000 Nielsen Media Research study estimates, televisions were on 7 hours a day in the typical home and the average American spent nearly 4 hours a day watching TV. The average child spent more time over the course of a year watching TV than they spent in school. By the age of 65, if you are average, you will have spent 9 years of your life watching television! This does not count time spent watching videos or playing video games. Yikes! And apparently these numbers have gone up since then.
Other interesting TV related snippets:
House of Representatives Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act of 2005
Facts and Figures about our TV habits (pdf)
...it sure does look like a good day to get outside!
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Fashion Statements
It's not that my wife and I don't set a good example or try to dress our girls well. It's that my daughters are trend setters. It must be.
Take the youngest one. She has always had fussy feet. We've gotten her those special socks with the almost undetectable smooth seams so that she will wear socks at all. She likes to pull them up tight. No bunching or wrinkles allowed. So tight that most of her socks have developed holes where toes stick through. She has even taken to pulling them up over her pants legs. That may be a bit outside the norm, but isn't that how most fashion trends start?
My elder daughter likes colorful but well worn clothes. Flowered pants and striped shirt are common. The more worn the better. Sometimes we have to insist they go in the wash. Sometimes we have to insist she go in the wash.
But alas, I look at how some of the older kids in the neighborhood dress and count my blessings.
It's not that my wife and I don't set a good example or try to dress our girls well. It's that my daughters are trend setters. It must be.
Take the youngest one. She has always had fussy feet. We've gotten her those special socks with the almost undetectable smooth seams so that she will wear socks at all. She likes to pull them up tight. No bunching or wrinkles allowed. So tight that most of her socks have developed holes where toes stick through. She has even taken to pulling them up over her pants legs. That may be a bit outside the norm, but isn't that how most fashion trends start?
My elder daughter likes colorful but well worn clothes. Flowered pants and striped shirt are common. The more worn the better. Sometimes we have to insist they go in the wash. Sometimes we have to insist she go in the wash.
But alas, I look at how some of the older kids in the neighborhood dress and count my blessings.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Just HotBloggin Along
The holidays seem to have a distinctive affect on people. Every cardio machine at my gym had attracted a waiting line by new years. But the weeks passed and the crowd thinned (figuratively more than literally) to the usual group. I don't know if that reflects on fitness dedication or if all those holiday specials and guilts just ran out. Probably all of that and more. This will probably last until the Spring specials and swimsuit season begins.
Me? I'm still working out. Work keeps getting in the way, so I have to keep reminding myself of the importance of health and fitness and adjusting to make things work. There is never time unless I make the time...
Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Or better yet; Carpe Mundus - seize the world! Actually, the online Latin translator I use says that Carpe Diem is "To pluck day" which sounds like fun too. But you get the gist. Get out and threaten the sanctity and security of your daily routine! Yep, I'm feeling the urge to find the next adventure. My wife keeps reminding me that she is/was my midlife crisis ... good to have that handled. But I think I hear far-away places calling... Don't you?
I went to a big local computer store today and found they had a special on a piece of software I've been wanting. $70 with two mail-in rebates, totaling $70. Now, it is an understatement to say I hate mail-in rebates, but to get $70 software for the cost of the sales tax? I bit the bait... I took it up to the cashier and found I was fodder for training day. A manager and 6 trainlings. Groan. And of course there was a problem. The register computer only showed one $30 rebate. So I resigned myself to my fate as a training example. It took a while as the manager led his entourage to the different places in the store to check, explain and fix the problem. On a positive note, I had the manager taking care of things. The store had screwed up and there was no longer a second rebate. They missed taking down the display for the special. But in a happy ending they did knock off $40 from the price ... so in effect I got the bigger rebate without having to pay sales tax on it and send in for that refund.
OK, got to mail in that rebate before it gets lost or forgotten.
The holidays seem to have a distinctive affect on people. Every cardio machine at my gym had attracted a waiting line by new years. But the weeks passed and the crowd thinned (figuratively more than literally) to the usual group. I don't know if that reflects on fitness dedication or if all those holiday specials and guilts just ran out. Probably all of that and more. This will probably last until the Spring specials and swimsuit season begins.
Me? I'm still working out. Work keeps getting in the way, so I have to keep reminding myself of the importance of health and fitness and adjusting to make things work. There is never time unless I make the time...
Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Or better yet; Carpe Mundus - seize the world! Actually, the online Latin translator I use says that Carpe Diem is "To pluck
I went to a big local computer store today and found they had a special on a piece of software I've been wanting. $70 with two mail-in rebates, totaling $70. Now, it is an understatement to say I hate mail-in rebates, but to get $70 software for the cost of the sales tax? I bit the bait... I took it up to the cashier and found I was fodder for training day. A manager and 6 trainlings. Groan. And of course there was a problem. The register computer only showed one $30 rebate. So I resigned myself to my fate as a training example. It took a while as the manager led his entourage to the different places in the store to check, explain and fix the problem. On a positive note, I had the manager taking care of things. The store had screwed up and there was no longer a second rebate. They missed taking down the display for the special. But in a happy ending they did knock off $40 from the price ... so in effect I got the bigger rebate without having to pay sales tax on it and send in for that refund.
OK, got to mail in that rebate before it gets lost or forgotten.
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