Sunday, October 26, 2008

A boy in the family!

Finally, we have a baby boy in the family! Females are greatly overrepresented in my family. My parents had to wait for grand-baby number 6 to see a Y chromosome! Not that I ever had any complaints, but a baby boy is a nice change. I absolutely adore this mother-infant gaze.

Welcome to the world, Lucas!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Sparky's Blog


A few of you have heard me rave about a friend and mentor who is near and dear to me. For anyone who has not: Meet, Sparky. Among many other things, he is a professor, psychologist, and a poet. His blog is now up and running and I am sure he would not mind the traffic. http://sparkytheminddoc.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Shrapnel Wounds

Today I saw a man pick out a small shard of shrapnel from his skin that had worked its way out from deeper tissue. The wound was months old. He did it without veering off topic or changing the rate or rhythm of his speech. Without even wincing, he picked at his skin for a few moments and then teased out a piece of metal. He then placed it on the table next to us as we finished our conversation. No further discussion on the metaphor is required.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Rock Hard, Ride Free!!!!!

I have been preparing for the Priest concert for the last few weeks, which accounts for my absence. The planning, studying, and meditation is very time consuming. Yet, a requirement nonetheless (kidding! I've just been too busy). The show was great! Rob's voice was strained and he did not even attempt to hit the high notes. However, the band made up for this by playing flawlessly. The shinny thing in the middle of the picture is Rob riding out on his motorcycle. Hell bent for Leather!
Heaven and Hell (Early 80's Sabbath with Dio) put on a great show. Their music reminds me of rusted out Monte Carlos and the smell of pot smoke. Tony Iommi looks more like Tommy Chong now a days, but played beautifully. Dio's voice has not aged at all. Oh, the winged creature on the tree in the picture exhaled puffs of smoke and had red flashing eyes during the show. So metal!



Of course Motorhead was a huge crowd pleaser. I have no idea what in the hell Lemmy was saying during his dialog. At one point he either said, "It's great to see all of our fans again" or "I ate grits, seaweed and half a can of gin." Neither would surprise me.
The cool thing was how chill the scene was. The fans were nice to one another. I talked with people around me between sets. There were kids with parents. Naturally, there were a lot more bald and gray heads in the audience. However, we held up pretty well. I really hope these kind of shows don't fade away too quickly. They are sooooo much fun!!!


Thursday, July 3, 2008

Ouch!

I have been taking a break and only running 3-5 miles every 2-3 days, because of knee pain. This killing my training!!!!







Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Big Sister's Tooth



Big Sister Lost her First Tooth.


"Let me get this straight. We lose our baby teeth, and a fairy takes them and leaves us money under our pillow? Um, please tell that she always waits until they fall out."

Sunday, June 1, 2008

"Some people won't listen, and they make me eat dirt!"

Jaleo! with Mom and Jennifer (my baby sister).
At the FDR memorial (my new favorite hangout)

Leather clad stallion and baby sis.


WWII Memorial.




My mom was almost as tall as the Washington Monument.



Then she shrunk back down to regular size.


This post is late, but it certainly is far from never! My mom, baby sister, and her arm candy boyfriend came to pay a visit two weeks ago. We took in the sites and enjoyed our favorite tapas restaurant. Jaleo!

Mom gave me a great quote that will be thought of, and used strategically, for many years. Although Jenny and I love the variety at Jaleo, Mom was a little less enthusiastic. After we forced her to try a fabulous dish made with grilled sweet peppers and stuffed with goat cheese, Mom was disgusted and declared: "Some people won't listen, and they make me eat dirt!" Tom sat quietly and ordered pizza after we returned home. It was great seeing the family!












Saturday, May 31, 2008

Nationals Game With Big Sis

I took Big Sis to her first MLB game last week!
The new Nationals stadium is amazing.






The Washington Monument is the pointy thing in the middle of the picture.

We had to bring 02 due to how high our seats were from the field.





Yep! We were really high up.





The Nats lost to the Brewers, which is very sad. Yet, we got to watch Tim Redding, a kid from Rochester, pitch for the Nats. He blew it in the 6th.



But it was a great day to hang out with my favorite 5 year old.






Thursday, May 29, 2008

Guess Who I Saw?


General Petraeus stopped by at my new gig today. Pretty cool perk, eh?

Monday, May 26, 2008

Memorial Day Thoughts

Code of Conduct

Article one

I am an American fighting with the forces that guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

There is a thin veneer between veterans and those remembered on Memorial Day. Every G.I sacrifices. What we sacrifice is certainly not our choice. As a consequence of good fortune, and by unknown sources that gave me interesting ASVAB and AFOQT scores, I’m thankful that my sacrifices have been small. I’ve given a lot of time away and missed plenty of things. I’ve endued hardships and placed a heavy burden on loved ones. But I’m still a very fortunate man.

It hurts to know that many, who were just like me, had to sacrifice everything. My abundance is due to a few degrees difference in the trajectory of my service. When I reflect on all of the things that I have helped bring into existence, it fills me with pain to know that others were unable to see there dreams unfold. How many weddings were missed? How many beautiful children were not born? How much joy has been sacrificed?

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Memorial Day

There is something terribly wrong about Memorial Day. There is something terribly perverse about how our culture steers us away from pain whenever we have the choice to face it. Why do we allow things like Memorial Day car sales? It is obscene to use a day of remembrance in such a manner.

Why do we always have to be consumers, man? What a slap in the face to those who have lost someone. Memorial Day should feel personal to all of us. Where is collective remembrance and grief in American culture? Would we allow Your Grandmother is Dead Discount Day !!??

Friday, May 16, 2008

Saying Goodbye

For reasons that I cannot even mention, I cannot blog about my work. I have experienced so many amazing things at my last job! All I can say is that I will really miss the people that I used to work with. That is a sucky, yet honest, tribute.

Well, here is a cryptic one that I am sure they will be able to decipher:


Incantation (1)

The Shadow is a Snake,
Living under the Sand,
And seared by the Sun.

The Sun burns the Sand,
The Snake slithers out,
And follows the Shadow.

The Sand absorbs the Sun,
The Snake bares its fangs,
Then it covers the Shadow.

The Shadow and the Snake,
The Sand and the desert Sun,
One for all, all for one.

Elmer Romulo Valdez

Monday, May 5, 2008

The fourth most important issue facing this country!

Has anyone noted the significant increase in the price of beer?? After identifying one of the sources of my migraines (red wine), I cried, mourned, and was planning on moving on. I turned away from my tannin saturated love towards her bitter step-sister, and was ready to make my move. But the prices of the good beers are getting crazy! The problem is I only like the good stuff. Damn my good taste! Why can't I just enjoy Milwaukee's Best? Oh, this recession is going to be Hell! Grapes of wrath; indeed.

Friday, May 2, 2008

I'm Back

The last two weeks have been so flipping busy. I was on orders the week before last, and then spent this entire week trying to catch up as a result of serving. Bright side: Two and a half more years until I retire from the Guard!

Plus!!!! I found this little jewel: http://www.epicrecords.com/judaspriest/

I ordered the dee-lux box set and will be getting a free poster! Supplies are limited. So you better hurry...or you can stop by the house in a month or so and see mine. It will be hanging gloriously on full display in our living room!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Family Curse



Well, Big Sister is getting used to her glasses. Retro 1982 plastic ones were NOT AN OPTION. I got my first pair in the second grade. and my wife was spared until she was a little older. Big Sister did not have a chance. At least she looks cute.


The baby is getting ready.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Army Strong

I signed up for the army ten miler today! It has taken me over three years to be able to run 7-8 miles per outing. So, I am off to a great start to be in shape for October. Given my years of nicotine abuse, this will be a huge occasion. However, since triumph over adversity themes are much less likely than dry comedy in my life, it was completely expected when my left knee started making this really loud popping sound whenever I descend stairs yesterday.

It does not hurt at all, and it is actually kind of funny when I run down the steps. Pop, pop, pop, pop, pop. However, I am going to be taking it a little easier for a few weeks as a precaution. Despite my new found lung capacity, my knees may not be able to withstand the 200 plus pounds of sexy that they have to endure. Hey! Maybe I can score some percocet if it begins to hurt badly!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Awesome News!

Spring is here. The kids are healthy. My wife is beautiful, and I just accepted the best job in the world. Life is good, but it is about to get better!


This is going to be a "metal opera" based on the life and work of Nostradamus. It was due out last year, but since the band can only produce the finest material, it has taken a little longer than expected. Usually, Halford will write only a single song about historical figures (Like the Lockness Monster). So, this is a first. The band will play the album from start to finish. It is supposed to be a double album!!! I am going to get front row tickets this time! I was in the 7th row during the 05 tour. I swear Glen Tipton looked right at me. Yeah, we shared a moment.
I just hope I can find someone to go with me to the concert. My wife told me that she would never do it again. I don't think she was kidding.

Monday, April 7, 2008

No Shame!


The great Kelly O sent this to me not long ago. While I have no actual memories of speaking to a fan (Now that I'm thinking, it is not completely out of the realm of possibility), I have to admit that the guy looks a lot like I used to in High School.

Metal has certainly shaved off a few I.Q. points, but it has given me so much more in return. I know the lyrics to every single Judas Priest song. I can also growl along with most Slayer songs! Plus I know a lot of the first few notes of almost every megadeth song, except for the hard ones.

....and if you sing into a fan while its running it makes your voice sound really cool. "I AAAM IRON MAAAN!"

Friday, April 4, 2008

Roses and Elms

Super-Smart Nylonthread tagged me with a meme! I chose a little one-liner from Siggy:

“Everywhere I go I find that a poet has been there before me.” -Sigmund Freud

I actually hear these words in my head when I see my wife in her garden. There really should be no psychology or analysis for one’s muse. Any attempt to shrink it down would be absolutely obscene. It is a distortion to assume that love and beauty are somehow mechanistic, and beautiful people are objects. Moments, like seeing my wife creating gentle beauty, are best left to the poets.

I’ll admit that I have the tendency to analyze things all the way the cellular level. Yet, when it comes to the feeling of love and affection, I think it is best when experienced raw and unadulterated. Let my love only be captured by a poet. The poet’s tortured soul and connotation are far better than anything utilitarian and mechanistic (and therefore much more truthful).

She is exotic uncharted territory. I will never stop searching for the wellspring of her beauty, strength, and warrior spirit (She is cut from rock-solid warrior stock!!). Grace, beauty, power and intelligence all in a delicate package, she rocks me to my core and I am overcome by the depth and meaning!

So, I tag Roses and Elms. Check out her brand new blog! http://rosesandelms.blogspot.com/

Monday, March 31, 2008

Baby's Nose Ring



Baby loves her nose ring!!!!! She is now the coolest kid at daycare. Piercing nowadays is absolutely painless.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

eminem


I am a metal junkie. My running music includes a huge variety of metal that would melt most peoples ears. It normally gives me huge jolts of energy. However, I have been really interested in eminem lately. I'm even skipping my Priest tunes!
I've never been a rap fan. Eminem's content, which consists mostly of incomplete adolescent ramblings, is not very appealing to me. Yet, it's making for great running music. There is an implicit message of needing to endure pain. Much like running, one can only push through while holding the pain ("And the beat goes on. Da, da-dum. Da, da-dum!"). The masochistic elements are clear. Plus the music parallels both the pain of exercise and the rhythm of running. I also dig the rebellious messages that are similar to those found in metal songs. What I hear is: "I don't have to be smart or rich to tell you to go Eff yourself!"
I guess now I will have to go buy some baggy pants.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Cute Question



Yesterday, Big Sister asked me the cutest question. "Daddy, Do you think little j and little i are best friends?" I noted that they were probably family, which would explain the resemblance. She disagreed and led a discussion on how friendly they were to each other. (Too polite to be family??)
For the record: The question came before I took her to see "Horton Hears a Who!" Dr. Seuss takes enough credit for sparking similar debate among bong toking teenagers. It does make me wonder about how and when she gained the ability to think abstractly.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

What a week! Happy Easter!!



Happy Easter!!


What a week! The events:

Last Saturday:
-0500 wake up on sofa
-0615. First meeting
-0730. Second meeting
-0900 Commanders Call
-1000 Disaster preparedness exercise
-1400 Leave early (after being in chemical warfare suite for three hours)
-Change into service dress. Prepare for Chief’s retirement ceremony.
-1600 Ceremony begins
-1915 Leave ceremony
-Have dinner with family
-Prepare uniform for the next day.

Last Sunday:
-0500 wake up on sofa
-0615. First meeting
-0730. Second meeting
-Plan for trip to Langley
-Write letter of counseling.
-Return home to prepare uniforms for Langley.
- Leave at 1500.
-Sit in beltway traffic for two hours.
-Make it to Hotel at 1930.
-Call home
-Get directions to the base.
-Go to sleep
-Wake up at 0200 (Why do I hear dogs barking??)

Monday – Wednesday morning:
-0430. Wake up
-0630 Attend briefing
-Remain in awe of the F22 for three solid days
-Treadmill at hotel is broken (adjust by running around the parking lot)

Wednesday Afternoon:
-1330 Have lunch with former supervisor at a posh little bistro
-1430 Leave for home
-Spend three hours driving and hit beltway traffic at the bridge
-Watch a truck driver pick his nose. It’s been a half hour. What the hell is up there, dude?
-Arrive home at 1830.

Come home to this face!!!!




-Have dinner with family.
-Prepare orders and travel voucher.
-Go to bed

Thursday:
-Get the girls to daycare
-Go to other job.
-Go to bed

Friday: Day off

-Spend all morning on the telephone
-Write trip report for Commander
-Finish licensing application
-Fax orders and voucher to angry Chief
-Order dinner (pizza)
-Get kids to bed

Saturday:

-Get kids up
-Do housework
-Have conversation with wife
-Go to Easter Egg Hunt
-Do more housework
-Get kids to bed
-Go to bed on the couch

Sunday:
-Make Easter breakfast (pancakes shaped like bunnies!)
-Watch Political shows (Go Bama!)
-Plan Dinner
-Call Parents
-Blog






Sunday, March 9, 2008

Granny and Papa pay a visit


Bis Sis and the baby enjoyed having Granny and Papa over this weekend. Big Sister said,"I love Grandma's smell. It is sweet and shampooie." So cute! Unfortunately, just like their last visit, they had to drive back home to Upstate New York, where a foot and a half of snow had fallen while they swooned over their granddaughters. Sorry, guys. Hey! Snowblowing can be fun. Right??


Saturday, March 1, 2008

7 months!

The Baby is 7 Months Old and going strong!! And.....

.....only one of us is getting any sleep. I guess that is better than none of us getting any sleep??

Friday, February 29, 2008

Baby Sis is getting hitched


My baby sister is getting hitched! Naturally, my mean uncle, Sam, prevented me from going to the engagement party. But, at least I got a few pictures. When I saw this collage I got a little misty. Baby Sister's side is on the left. She was so cute growing up (and I was so jealous...and chubby and near-sighted). Now she is a beautiful woman and loving mom. Congratulations, guys! I look forward to welcoming Tom into the family real soon. MOO! HOO!, HA, Ha, haaaa!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Sparky Honors his Mentors




Sparky, the good Dr. John Breeskin, held a ceremony honoring his mentors and celebrating the beginning of his 50th year as a psychologist. I had that damn lump in my throat as he began to speak, and by the end of his talk it subsided, just to reappear again at the conclusion. I swear he does that on purpose!

A great many of the psychologists and researchers that I have studied have worked with Sparky. He ran through a list on the ten most influential psychologists in the field, and then added a few of his own. Along the way he paid respect to each of them. It was an amazing trip! He was even able to pull off a very mild criticism of Carl Rogers in a room full of shrinks (I happened to disagree with the criticism ...but there was no microphone).

Among Sparky’s many gifts to the world, and to me personally, is his movie, Sparky’s Ashes, which he made a couple of years ago. In it he visits the places where he will have his ashes spread. He also interviews his mortician, hangs out with a panhandler, and dresses like a wizard! One of the most symbolic places is at the statue, “The Awakening,” at Hains Point. This happened to be moved to the new Harbor Front Convention Center in Maryland on the very same day as Sparky delivered his speech. However rare, I simply cannot find the meaning in these two events as they collide in my heart.

I have had many mentors who have helped me throughout my life. None have considered the meaning of the relationship like Sparky does. Not only do I respect his work and contributions, but I also feel cared for in a spiritual manner. Sparky desires to know that a part of him will exist in this word long after he is gone. This is my job, and I accept it. His influence in my work and life is clear and obvious, just as Sparky’s mentors are alive in his work. One day, as my big-sister of a colleague noted, I'll give a speech honoring Sparky. Along the way, I’ll be looking for people to guide, help, and ultimately “bless.” Like fathers and sons, on and on the pattern will be continued.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Barack the Vote


It seems the new strategy of the Clinton campaign is to complain that Obama is all words and no action. I’ve been catching sound-bytes noting that he is skilled at stirring and moving people, but can’t be trusted to lead. He does not have enough experience to run the White House on “day one.” While these are valid points and a clear challenge for him, there is a process that he has been able to avoid that is rather appealing to me, and perhaps to the millions of other voters in his corner. We all know about it, but it is seldom mentioned on the Sunday morning political shows. It’s a hazard that cannot be avoided: Spending too much time in the federal government turns people into a-holes.

This is also why Hillary’s hubby isn’t helping her very much lately. He can never become human again. Sorry, dude.

It is an inevitable transformation and Obama will have to eventually conform. However, he at least still resembles a human being, which is giving him the advantage. Plus, let’s face it. Experience being a politician is supposed to sharpen and hone what skills? Hmmm??…leadership! Last time I checked we select our leaders based on a personal decision to either support or reject them.

So what about the people that Hillary considers stupid and easily manipulated by fancy speeches? We, the hopeful little sheep, are touched by his speeches, moved, and encouraged to vote for him. We are duped into believing that he is someone who will champion the social and political movements that matter to us. That alone suggests an amazing shift in tactics over the past several years. What she is doing is similar to the process of reminding us that if we don’t support our leaders, we will face nasty consequences. She is using fear, just like the rest of the a-holes!

In a representative democracy it is sickening to hear the same anatomical elite speak for us about who is fit to serve. For better or worse, that is our job! Many of us are accustomed to voting for the person who is the smaller a-hole. Perhaps we finally have a clearer choice this time around.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Getting Freaky!

I have been inspired by the amazing Kelly O! I have felt energy united and directed during the freedom to marry week, and was actually mentioned on her blog! It makes me want to sing: “Fame! I wanna live forever!”

Okay. Christian conservatives have a claim that the marriage of same sexed couples is immoral. Well, lets take a look at the psychology of opposite sex unions. How “moral” are we deep down in the subconscious?

Freudian analysis suggests that when the man “takes a wife” he is actually attempting to have his mother. What Freud analyzed was in many ways the shadow of religion, which has many limits and can be argued as a psychology of libidinal drives and the like. However, Jungian analysis takes a different look and moves away from libidinal drives and places the observer at the edge of the subconscious where several fields are available to be analyzed. Myth becomes relevant, history, and the larger “collective” are all areas to be considered in Jungian analysis. So, religion is then reflected on the surface of the water of the subconscious. This makes myth and religion important in understanding things like…say?. .the act of marriage in relation to the psyche.

So, two Christians get married. This man and this woman go to church and stand before an alter and have a holy person tell them that they are now “united.” Then they come to church every Sunday and have a great time. That is considered moral and holy.

Wait a minute. Let’s go a little slower and consider a few of the Christian metaphores: Two people of the same faith (brother and sister—ooh!) go before God (Their Heavenly Father—awwh!) and unite (form a sexual union—Huh!!) in front of the congregation (the family). Hmm?

Every Sunday what happens? The Christian couple can now go to church and love the members of the congregation (ritualized orgy? ---of the Agape, non sexual, variety!).

In myth the heirosgamos is a divine sexual union. Christians have a divine union with their partners and with the members of the congregation after they are married. The soul (psyche), in Jungian principle, cannot be contained, but can also not be left fractured or incomplete.

Christians solve this problem by marrying one another and then engage in loving everyone in the church. A homeostasis is then maintained, one time a week, where tensions involving love, desire for others (again, of the agape variety), and the divine are satisfied.

The prejudice against same sexed couples prevents this holy union. Now, how much less moral is a same sex marriage after consideration of the Heirosgamos?

My point is that all of this takes place deep inside the psyche where the desires are safe and sound. When analyzed it looks really wild! The idea that some groups of people are not "fit" to participate in the act of holy matrimony is, psychoanalytically speaking, rather humorous after a careful consideration of the archetypal and dynamic elements of a normal Christian marriage.

A good read for the interested:

http://www.istanbul-yes-istanbul.co.uk/alchemy/Rosariumfinal.htm

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Homophobia?

The term “homophobia” is absurd. This is a description of a specific phobic presentation out of the DSM IV-TR, which is the American Psychological Association’s catalog of diagnostic criteria:

“DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES:

The essential feature of Specific Phobia is marked and persistent fear of clearly discernible, circumscribed objects or situations. Exposure to the phobic stimulus almost invariably provokes an immediate anxiety response. This response may take the form of a situationally bound or situationally predisposed Panic Attack. Although adolescents and adults with this disorder recognize that their fear is excessive or unreasonable, this may not be the case with children. Most often, the phobic stimulus is avoided, although it is sometimes endured with dread. The diagnosis is appropriate only if the avoidance, fear, or anxious anticipation of encountering the phobic stimulus interferes significantly with the person's daily routine, occupational functioning, or social life, or if the person is markedly distressed about the phobia. In individuals under age 18 years, symptoms may have persisted for at least 6 months before Specific Phobia is diagnosed. The anxiety, Panic Attacks, or phobic avoidance are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g., Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Phobia, Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia, or Agoraphobia Without History of Panic Disorder).” DSM-IV TR, 1994

In order for “homophobia” to exist, the sufferer would have to present with terror, a gripping desire to flee, hyperarousal (non-sexual!), avoidance, and generalized fear when presented with the “stimulis” of a homosexual. (I am sure that even Rush Limbaugh does not meet that criteria.)

The more fitting term is “homo-prejudice.” This removes the pathology and suggest a much more adequate etiological underpinning: predjudice! A mental disorder, like a specific phobia, requires the attention of a mental health professional. Could a therapist bill an insurance company to treat someone suffering with “homophobia?”

No, because that person has a prejudice and, although they may benefit from therapy, does not have a mental illness. They have a prejudice against homosexuals. Would people accept the terms “Afro-Ameriphobia,” or “Chronic Womeniphobic?”

Monday, February 11, 2008

Powerful Documentary

I am not sure of the popularity of the documentary, Color of Fear, by the renowned therapist Lee Mun Wah. It was used as an eye-opener during graduate school, which still resonates in me despite it being several years since I first saw the full film. For white males, issues surrounding multiculturalism are exeptionally difficult to learn about (I remember watching this segment in class and feeling like every eye in the room was drilling a hole in my back--the lone white male). This film captured where most white men have to start, in order to move deeper into understanding and recognizing their role as deniers and minimizers. It also underscores why social movements have to be In-Your-Face. If they are not, the power of denial will turn the heads of those needing enlightenment.

It is often hard for me to imagine the strength that cultural, racial, and sexual minorities have to muster in order to navigate in our society. Now, I certainly did not have a full supply of silver spoons available to me growing up, but there was a plastic spork near by when it was needed.

That is not a clumsy flippant metaphore.

It is difficult to look at all of the work that I have done and the sacrifices that I have made, and then learn that entire groups of people have it worse than I did. Then I learned that this advantage was granted to me because of my race, gender, and sexual preference. Recognizing this is not an easy first step!

The truth is that I always had utensils. Often times they were cheap and made of plastic, but small opportunities were always there for me to pick up when I was ready to use them. It is hard to look at that as being something that others were refused. Yet, that is the truth, and for many white men clinging to "our story" of success is the best way to remain protected from the pain of some very ugly truths. We take the acceptance, the foundation of opportunity, for granted. That ultimatly prevents others from helping us begin the process of understanding, welcoming, and embracing all minorities as equals. Exploring and facing what it means to be a white man in America is a shame inducing journey. Shame and denial are like... well, they have a close relationship.

So, as I can only move throughout life as a new cognitive minority-- the humbled white male. I catch myself looking at black professionals with more appreciation. I consider the issues of immigrant populations with more compassion, and I look at the bravery of gay and lesbian couples showing affection towards each another in public with respect. While there may be battles being fought that are invisible to me, I can certainly recognize a warrior when I see one.

My appreciation and sensitivity may mean little to those in the fight for equality and justice. Yet, it is a representative victory. It is what has to happen for all white men, and can only happen when an individual's assumptions about what it means to be a white man are challenged in a direct and passionate encounter.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=-vAbpJW_xEc

(How on earth can I post video clips?????)

What happens when I press this button?

Big sister made a "lil-oopsy" over the weekend. The previous occupiers of our home must have hidden their valuables, or deepest secrets, from one another in the master bedroom. Although my wife and I never actually found the key to the high-security lock on the bedroom door, we also never considered it a problem. The other doors can be unlocked from the outside with a small screwdirver. Not this sucker! It is built to withstand the ATF. Well anyway, Big sister was playing with the lock, and then we were all locked out. My credit card trick failed, which left only one option.






It only took a steaknife, a ladder, and two minutes to get inside. My honey-do list just got a little longer.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Meme #2!

Another meme! Cool. I feel like philfree just offered me a smoke. "Hey, dude. You wanna play hacky sack with us?"

6 quirks:

1) I am so arrogant that I don't think I have any quirks.

(The remaining opinions come from my wife. She showed very little hesitation.)

2) I talk in my sleep and, apparently, chew pretend food. This delivers people sleeping near me to locations close to insanity.

3) I enjoy, and expect, people to cry tears of joy...and then wonder why they didn't.

4) I sing heavy metal songs as lullabies to my children.

5) I can play both "Mr. Sensitive" and "Joe Cool" without skipping a beat. (Hey! Like Fonzi!!)

6) I'm a mechanic who hates to fix things. Then she called me: "The elf who does not want to make toys."

That felt a little strange.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Meme?

Okay. I am not sure about the meme rules, but I do feel confident about answering the questions. Here goes my first attempt.

Name something you do everyday:

1) Prepare food for my kids

Name 2 things you wish you could learn:

1) How to make my career change work for me and the family
2) How save money for my kids' education

Name 3 things that remind you of your childhood:

1) Snow
2) The smell of leather (like baseball gloves and jackets--not chaps!)
3) Station wagons

Name 4 things you love to eat but rarely do:

1) Nick's Garbage Plates!
2) Buffalo Wings
3) Patty Melts
4) Crab Cakes


Name 5 things/people that make you feel good:

1) Todd O always gives off good vibes!
2) Pictures of my nieces
3) Talking with my collogues and mentors
4) Seeing my girls (all three) smile and laughing together
5) Obama speeches

That was painless! Do I tag someone? I don't have enough blogging buddies to tag?

Monday, February 4, 2008

Baby Update

Blue eyes! They are certainly blue and do not seem to be darkening up. She is also beginning to eat babyfood. I have been trying out my newest toy-- A high end kitchen aid food processor. However, the baby prefers store bought food. What gives? As a consequence, I have about six pounds of pureed sweet potatoes in the freezer, if anyone is hungry.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Teaching Gig

I was asked to lecture on the psychology of gender at the U of M. Awesome!!! I may have lost some credibility when I asked a student to take a picture of me in front of the chalkboard. "Um? How long have you been teaching?" Hey? Come on. I was excited!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Funny clip

I am not skilled in posting clips and other...stuff. So sorry. My friend sent me this and I am still laughing!

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/b776c00c54

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Franklins!


Waiting for our micro-brew! The "nitro" was excellent tonight!


Eating calamari....






All told it was a good... Family date.



Good as new!


Our little elf is back in business! Everyone in the family is healthy! (Knock, knock, knocking on every wood surface in the house.) Wait a minute? I just heard a sneeze. Joy.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Uncle Mike


Big sister had a great time with her uncle this weekend. She roped him into reading several stories in a row. My wife and I tried to end her trickery, as we carefully propped up our feet up on the sofa for the first time in five months. It was good to have him over for a few days.


On a another note....the baby is sick again. Daycare has banned her for no less than 24 hours and a doctor's note. Will they still charge us? Yes! Does daycare cost us more than our mortgage? Yes! Did the doctor give me anything to help her symptoms? No!

The poor thing is so miserable. I had to take a "snooze cruise" with her at 11:30 last night. She cried, and cried, but the car ride finally helped her get to sleep. Also, whether playing Iron Maiden either soothes her to sleep, or scares her into silence; I do not know for sure. Yet, it seems to have helped. My findings are anecdotal, but they do offer some promising alternatives to be studied in the future: "Use of prolonged Heavy Metal Music Exposure on Infants: A controlled Sleep Study."

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Kelly O

For the record: Kelly O is the sweetest, kindest, warmest, and most youthful person I know. Her children are beautiful, and her husband is exceptionally handsome. She is also very forgiving, generous, and warm-hearted towards people of lesser status and stature...and she is really, really, talented, smart, gifted, sweet, strong, clever, and witty. I could go on and on ....