Visiting the doctor is always an adventure when I go. They never seem to know exactly what is going on, how to fix it, or what the cause of your symptoms really are. Today, Mr. Happy Glove and I bonded as I assumed the position and got examined. The doctor was taken back when I said that I felt like he owed me dinner and a movie for touching me in such a personal way. We both got a good laugh and then he sent me down the hall to get some blood work done.
I never know what to think whenever I go see him. Is he going to give me some bad news, did he find anything out of the ordinary today, are there any "real" concerns. He pointed out a lump on my back and the first thing that went through my head was ' it's some form of cancer. When you've had uncles that started out with a small lump that later because a cancerous tumor - you start to think that way. Thank God for me, it was nothing. He told me that sometimes your skins natural oils pool under then skin and causes these types of lumps. Just use some hot compresses and let it come to a head - the rest will take care of itself.
I wonder why we as men are so afraid to go to the doctor for a regular check up. I have no issues at all with going to see them. If something is wrong, I would rather know now instead of when I am lying on some hospital bed hooked up to a machine and tubes going everywhere. Knowing my personal health history and keeping records will only help my children in the future. Too many kids have no idea of their parents physical conditions and then when the brick hits the wall, the poor kid is left not knowing what to tell the doctors.
Anyway, my visit to "the man" went pretty good. He of course reminded me that I still need to drop 25-30 pounds. He also told me that the insulin I am on causes you to gain weight - so talk about a catch 22. I am maintaining my 204 pounds and the gut is now hanging over the belt. I refuse to tuck in that shirt and show off my every rounding physique. Like most men, I long for the day when I will be able to wear pants that work with my waistline and not against it. Don't you get tired of your pockets looking like they are clapping vs laying flat against your butt like normal people. I know we can't all look like Tyson Beckford or Gilles Marini. It would just be nice to have a moment to look like we are somewhat decent shape.
Well, I have to go and take that 30-40 walk the doctor ordered, suck down some yogurt and fruit before the kids get home. And the dinner plans have changed. I am going to make teriyaki chicken with broccoli and brown rice.
I really don't want to see "the man" anymore this year and have to explain why I haven't lost one ounce.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Too Early To Function
I woke up this morning at 4:50 AM with the thought of going to see my doctor on my mind. He told me to lose 25-30 pounds to keep diabetes under control. I absolutely hate that I have to give myself and injection every night in the stomach before going to bed, along with 3 pills. The realization of what I was doing struck me when my son said, "I hope I don't have to do that when I am old like you" It wasn't so much that I couldn't stop laughing at him calling me old, but that he knew something was wrong with me and that I could possibly be setting him up to have to be a caregiver later in his life.
Been there, done that. I took care of my aunt(mom) for the last year of her life. I visited her in the hospital every single day for 7 1/2 months to make sure she was being care for properly. I never grasped how much stress that was until about 3 months into going there. We took her to the hospital on Jan 3 and she died on July 26 - two days before my wedding anniversary. From that day to now - I sometimes forget about my anniversary.
Anyway, the reason I woke up that early was because, I felt myself trembling in my sleep. My doctor thinks that I am having mild seizures, so he gave me another pill to take.
Given my family history of diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure, you would think I would work harder to do my part. Don't get me wrong. I have tried to get the weight off. I changed my diet - and the entire households since I prepare all meals. I take walks, ride a bike, use Wii Active (talk about a workout) and was once going to the gym. The problem with the gym is that it's about 15 miles away. Talk about a downside to living in the south - nothing that you really want to get to, is close, and I just don't have the monthly membership fee. If you look up the word - broke - you will see my picture right next to it.
Anyway, those are all excuses. I need to get off of my butt and do my part. I can't preach to the choir about being a good dad when I don't make more of an initiative to drop the pounds. This would be such an easier undertaking if it wasn't so hot down here. Do you know how sad it is to go to the public parks and there aren't any kids playing because they could literally get a 2nd or 3rd degree burn going down the slide? The weather finally broke from the 90's and we are enjoying the high 70's - great walking weather.
Come on dads. Let's get off the couch, grab the family and get out there and walk, ride a bike or do some yard work. Look at it like this - we can set our children up to be the healthiest generation instead of the most obese. If you are taking any kinds of medication - you can get off of them with simple changes.
I enjoy a great burger like everyone else (Five Guys are the best for those of you in Norwalk, CT) and I make some great fried chicken. My twist is, my version of Beniggans country fried chicken with a lighter batter cooked in peanut oil instead of vegetable oil. Now, I have not figured out how to make honey mustard dressing lighter yet. It will take time to get that one right. We want to enjoy the flavor with the food.
I am only 5'5" and weigh 204. I desperately want to get rid of the 65 pounds I gained after taking prednisone-that mean steroid.
Anyway, the rain has ended, my son is on the bus, the dog has been walked, and I am getting ready to go and visit the doctor and get my yearly "man check" - curl up, cough and smile!!!!
I hate the sound of a rubber glove!!!!
Been there, done that. I took care of my aunt(mom) for the last year of her life. I visited her in the hospital every single day for 7 1/2 months to make sure she was being care for properly. I never grasped how much stress that was until about 3 months into going there. We took her to the hospital on Jan 3 and she died on July 26 - two days before my wedding anniversary. From that day to now - I sometimes forget about my anniversary.
Anyway, the reason I woke up that early was because, I felt myself trembling in my sleep. My doctor thinks that I am having mild seizures, so he gave me another pill to take.
Given my family history of diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure, you would think I would work harder to do my part. Don't get me wrong. I have tried to get the weight off. I changed my diet - and the entire households since I prepare all meals. I take walks, ride a bike, use Wii Active (talk about a workout) and was once going to the gym. The problem with the gym is that it's about 15 miles away. Talk about a downside to living in the south - nothing that you really want to get to, is close, and I just don't have the monthly membership fee. If you look up the word - broke - you will see my picture right next to it.
Anyway, those are all excuses. I need to get off of my butt and do my part. I can't preach to the choir about being a good dad when I don't make more of an initiative to drop the pounds. This would be such an easier undertaking if it wasn't so hot down here. Do you know how sad it is to go to the public parks and there aren't any kids playing because they could literally get a 2nd or 3rd degree burn going down the slide? The weather finally broke from the 90's and we are enjoying the high 70's - great walking weather.
Come on dads. Let's get off the couch, grab the family and get out there and walk, ride a bike or do some yard work. Look at it like this - we can set our children up to be the healthiest generation instead of the most obese. If you are taking any kinds of medication - you can get off of them with simple changes.
I enjoy a great burger like everyone else (Five Guys are the best for those of you in Norwalk, CT) and I make some great fried chicken. My twist is, my version of Beniggans country fried chicken with a lighter batter cooked in peanut oil instead of vegetable oil. Now, I have not figured out how to make honey mustard dressing lighter yet. It will take time to get that one right. We want to enjoy the flavor with the food.
I am only 5'5" and weigh 204. I desperately want to get rid of the 65 pounds I gained after taking prednisone-that mean steroid.
Anyway, the rain has ended, my son is on the bus, the dog has been walked, and I am getting ready to go and visit the doctor and get my yearly "man check" - curl up, cough and smile!!!!
I hate the sound of a rubber glove!!!!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Where Are The Fathers?
People, am I missing something? I was flipping through the channels and came across some talk show where the dad and his son where having a "major" disagreement about drugs and sex with everyone. The son was in the process of telling dad why he hated him and couldn't wait to get out on his own. In reply, the dad tells the kid that he can leave now and there's no reason for him to stick around - get out and don't come back.
My thought on this is the following: kid - TRUST me, you will ALWAYS need the love and support of your father. I have found out that every boy needs his father, but it's also true that every man needs his father. The learning doesn't end when you leave home. A man needs his dad to teach him how to be a good man, a great dad and a wonderful husband. I missed out on all of those things and I am learning all of them the hard way - the trials of life, and hate to toot my own horn (honk honk) but I turned out ok. There are two men who "claim" to be my father, yet neither one of them has ever stepped up to the plate and acted like a dad. The sad truth of the matter is, my mom died when I was five and half years old and the jerk took off when my sister wasn't even born yet. The first time I have a memory of either of them is when I was 13 years old.
If you ever want to hurt a child who doesn't know their lineage, do what is so prevalent in black families - keep secrets!!!!
My next though on this is: men- if you want to be called dad by your son, then start acting like a dad. Any man can father a child, but it takes someone special to be called dad. My uncle raised me as his son after my mom died. I am so grateful for my mom's sister and brother-in-law. They took three kids that they didn't really know and raised them as their own. That is the kind of man that you call a dad. No, my life wasn't always easy, but at least I had two people that looked at me as their son. Too many men are creating children and then leaving them to be raised by mom alone. She has no idea what it takes to be a man, but she is being forced into a role that she wasn't created for. If you are that out of control and can't control yourself long enough to cover before you conceive - then you don't need to get in the bed.
The two men who claim to be my father don't know the names of my children, don't know my birthday and don't even know where I live. I moved out of CT 3 years ago and they are just learning that I left. Now don't get me wrong, I did my part. The bible teaches that we are to honor our mother and father so that our days will be long and that it will go well with us. I reached out to both of them for many years. I cooked for them, I tried to spend time with them and still got nowhere. Imagine being a 13 year old boy and you and your cousin go all the way to NC from CT for 5 days to visit your father, and when you see him, he says, "which one is it?" That has stuck with me all of these many years.
Like I said, boys need their fathers, but men need them also. Dads - love your son like it's the time you are going to see them. I love my son and he knows it. I embrace him every morning, when he gets on and off of the bus to school, and before he goes to bed. I never want him to doubt my love for him. I want him to know how to treat his wife and kids and what his role of the head of the house is all about. My daughters get validation everyday. I want them to know how a man is supposed to love them with their emotions before it turns physical. I bless them with gifts and let them know they are more valuable than the gift. I take them on dates with dad - so they can get all dressed up and look pretty. I talk to ALL boyfriends so they know the expectations I have concerning how they ARE going to treat my girls.
I have one of those journals you complete called "A Fathers Legacy For His Son" Its a guide book for your son. It tells him all about your life and the trials and triumphs you've had.
I say all of that to say this. Hey kid, your life isn't that bad. Dad is only trying to keep you from hurting yourself and dad - open your eyes and realize the kid needs more of YOU. It's not just about providing a home, he needs your time. Stop being an idiot and realize he wants to be your best friend. Put everything aside for him and just give him more of your heart. I tend to come across and confident and strong, but I am very much vulnerable when it comes to relationships with other guys - I still don't trust most males.
When you have issues of abandonment, you just don't trust other men. When you have been raped - physically and emotionally - you don't let too many people into your heart. When pastors take advantage of your past hurts - you don't allow yourself to get too close to other pastors. When you've been locked in closets as a child and sit in the dark wondering what you did to deserve this - your heart begins to harden.
Thank God that time is healing all of the past wounds. I have to open up to God first and forgive so that I can move on with my life. Thank God I have not allowed this to alter the way I treat my own children. I am so bent on making sure I don't treat them the way I was treated.
So the question remains - what about the fathers? Where are you and what are you doing to raise children - especially sons - to be responsible adults who give back. There is a song by Israel Houghton entitled "Where Are the Fathers" I look at the news every day and wonder the same thing - where are you?
My thought on this is the following: kid - TRUST me, you will ALWAYS need the love and support of your father. I have found out that every boy needs his father, but it's also true that every man needs his father. The learning doesn't end when you leave home. A man needs his dad to teach him how to be a good man, a great dad and a wonderful husband. I missed out on all of those things and I am learning all of them the hard way - the trials of life, and hate to toot my own horn (honk honk) but I turned out ok. There are two men who "claim" to be my father, yet neither one of them has ever stepped up to the plate and acted like a dad. The sad truth of the matter is, my mom died when I was five and half years old and the jerk took off when my sister wasn't even born yet. The first time I have a memory of either of them is when I was 13 years old.
If you ever want to hurt a child who doesn't know their lineage, do what is so prevalent in black families - keep secrets!!!!
My next though on this is: men- if you want to be called dad by your son, then start acting like a dad. Any man can father a child, but it takes someone special to be called dad. My uncle raised me as his son after my mom died. I am so grateful for my mom's sister and brother-in-law. They took three kids that they didn't really know and raised them as their own. That is the kind of man that you call a dad. No, my life wasn't always easy, but at least I had two people that looked at me as their son. Too many men are creating children and then leaving them to be raised by mom alone. She has no idea what it takes to be a man, but she is being forced into a role that she wasn't created for. If you are that out of control and can't control yourself long enough to cover before you conceive - then you don't need to get in the bed.
The two men who claim to be my father don't know the names of my children, don't know my birthday and don't even know where I live. I moved out of CT 3 years ago and they are just learning that I left. Now don't get me wrong, I did my part. The bible teaches that we are to honor our mother and father so that our days will be long and that it will go well with us. I reached out to both of them for many years. I cooked for them, I tried to spend time with them and still got nowhere. Imagine being a 13 year old boy and you and your cousin go all the way to NC from CT for 5 days to visit your father, and when you see him, he says, "which one is it?" That has stuck with me all of these many years.
Like I said, boys need their fathers, but men need them also. Dads - love your son like it's the time you are going to see them. I love my son and he knows it. I embrace him every morning, when he gets on and off of the bus to school, and before he goes to bed. I never want him to doubt my love for him. I want him to know how to treat his wife and kids and what his role of the head of the house is all about. My daughters get validation everyday. I want them to know how a man is supposed to love them with their emotions before it turns physical. I bless them with gifts and let them know they are more valuable than the gift. I take them on dates with dad - so they can get all dressed up and look pretty. I talk to ALL boyfriends so they know the expectations I have concerning how they ARE going to treat my girls.
I have one of those journals you complete called "A Fathers Legacy For His Son" Its a guide book for your son. It tells him all about your life and the trials and triumphs you've had.
I say all of that to say this. Hey kid, your life isn't that bad. Dad is only trying to keep you from hurting yourself and dad - open your eyes and realize the kid needs more of YOU. It's not just about providing a home, he needs your time. Stop being an idiot and realize he wants to be your best friend. Put everything aside for him and just give him more of your heart. I tend to come across and confident and strong, but I am very much vulnerable when it comes to relationships with other guys - I still don't trust most males.
When you have issues of abandonment, you just don't trust other men. When you have been raped - physically and emotionally - you don't let too many people into your heart. When pastors take advantage of your past hurts - you don't allow yourself to get too close to other pastors. When you've been locked in closets as a child and sit in the dark wondering what you did to deserve this - your heart begins to harden.
Thank God that time is healing all of the past wounds. I have to open up to God first and forgive so that I can move on with my life. Thank God I have not allowed this to alter the way I treat my own children. I am so bent on making sure I don't treat them the way I was treated.
So the question remains - what about the fathers? Where are you and what are you doing to raise children - especially sons - to be responsible adults who give back. There is a song by Israel Houghton entitled "Where Are the Fathers" I look at the news every day and wonder the same thing - where are you?
Rainy Day
I am so glad that the rain has finally arrived. I am sitting here today taking inventory of where I am "mentally, spiritually and emotionally" I believe that too many men don't take a serious look at where they are and the effects of their lives take on the family unit.
Mentally, I still sit around and wonder why I can't find a job. It's not for a lack of looking. but because employers are being extremely picky. It's a sad day when someone with a masters degree is getting an entry level job and the person with a bachelors can't even get an interview. It's even more sad when Wal-Mart won't hire you because they think you are going to leave when something better comes along. They could be right, but when you have to survive, and have 4 kids to feed - you do what you have to do as long as it's legal. Of course, I don't feel like I am supporting my family the way I would like too. What decent man, in his right mind wants to sit around the house while his wife is out working. There comes a point in a man's life that he gets very frustrated with the economy, that anger begins to rear it's ugly head.
I feel like that woman that told the president how she really felt about the state of the country. Like her, I don't know why jobs have not been created. These companies have been given billions of dollars to create new jobs, make new initiatives and grow new industries - and still -NOTHING. I live in the banking capital of the country and they are laying people off every time you turn around.
So what is a 44 year old, African American man to do? Wait, and continue to wait some more. I never thought I would see the day that I couldn't find a job. There are days that I talk about going back up to CT for work and send the money home. It's unreal how agencies up there can find work for me, yet the 8 that I am registered with down here can't find anything AT ALL.
I know God is working something out within me and I just need to be patient and wait in His time. A man's limited patience dims in comparison to that our a larger than life Lord. All I can do right now, is trust Him and believe His Word. I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread.
Tonight, I am going to go to church, lead my youth group, and know that my labor in the Lord is not in vain. I am training up a generation for God that will change the world.
Mentally, I still sit around and wonder why I can't find a job. It's not for a lack of looking. but because employers are being extremely picky. It's a sad day when someone with a masters degree is getting an entry level job and the person with a bachelors can't even get an interview. It's even more sad when Wal-Mart won't hire you because they think you are going to leave when something better comes along. They could be right, but when you have to survive, and have 4 kids to feed - you do what you have to do as long as it's legal. Of course, I don't feel like I am supporting my family the way I would like too. What decent man, in his right mind wants to sit around the house while his wife is out working. There comes a point in a man's life that he gets very frustrated with the economy, that anger begins to rear it's ugly head.
I feel like that woman that told the president how she really felt about the state of the country. Like her, I don't know why jobs have not been created. These companies have been given billions of dollars to create new jobs, make new initiatives and grow new industries - and still -NOTHING. I live in the banking capital of the country and they are laying people off every time you turn around.
So what is a 44 year old, African American man to do? Wait, and continue to wait some more. I never thought I would see the day that I couldn't find a job. There are days that I talk about going back up to CT for work and send the money home. It's unreal how agencies up there can find work for me, yet the 8 that I am registered with down here can't find anything AT ALL.
I know God is working something out within me and I just need to be patient and wait in His time. A man's limited patience dims in comparison to that our a larger than life Lord. All I can do right now, is trust Him and believe His Word. I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor His seed begging for bread.
Tonight, I am going to go to church, lead my youth group, and know that my labor in the Lord is not in vain. I am training up a generation for God that will change the world.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday Was Great
Yesterday I sat in church, I heard everything our pastor said. He talked about "Jesus Is Coming Soon" I walked away from the service with the following in mind: time is too short to keep doing the same things the same old way and seeing little to no results; if I am doing something that I know is not pleasing to God, then make a change before I die and leave this earth; and most of all - get it right with other people before it's too late. Forgiveness is never for the other person - it's for you. My pastors messages have a way of staying with you for the entire week. I go back online and watch them all over again.
When we got home from church I decided that I would roast a chicken, pan sear some red potatoes and fry/steam some fresh string bean and add some bacon. The chicken was unreal - tomato, basil, garlic, granulated onion, herbs and 4S Salt(found at Penzeys, my favorite spice store). You just make a pasty rub out of it and put it under the skin and on top of the chicken - amazing. Bake covered in foil on 375 for an hour and then remove foil to brown. Put dripping in a bowl (separate the fat and set aside) and add 2 tps of flour to make a rue. Add more flour if you wish to make a thicker gravy, add salt to taste. I am so glad my wife made the suggestion to use the drippings. For the potatoes, use the fat that you set aside - brown the potatoes and deglaze the pan with a cup of pinot grigio white wine(the alcohol cooks out, the flavor remains) or a cup of vegetable stock - I prefer Wolfgang Puck. It has a richer, deeper flavor. The string beans are easy - cook the bacon first and throw the string beans in the fat for about a minute and then drain on paper towel and place in a pot of veg. stock and at serving time, crumble bacon at service times.
For dessert, I made a white silk bundt cake with vanilla bean glaze. This cake is so good, my kids call it the swan lake cake - they do ballet while eating it. My god-daughter gave it that name.
Dinner was so good - my 19 year old came home on her break from work to eat dinner with us.
Well, today it is finally raining - THANK GOD!!!!! We have not had rain in over a month, and my grass feels like straw underfoot. Down here, you can still be cutting grass in November.
It's one of those days when I don't think I am going to do much. I have to make dinner - so I need to get the wheels turning. Nothing special today - something easy. Who knows, it might just be a frozen pizza - YUCK!!!!!!!
I think I will work on finishing the writing of For This Child I Stand - A Guide the God-Parenting. Yes folks, I am working on a book. It's not going to be the great American novel, simply a guide to help people realize that being a god-parent is more than giving money - it's about your time as well.
When we got home from church I decided that I would roast a chicken, pan sear some red potatoes and fry/steam some fresh string bean and add some bacon. The chicken was unreal - tomato, basil, garlic, granulated onion, herbs and 4S Salt(found at Penzeys, my favorite spice store). You just make a pasty rub out of it and put it under the skin and on top of the chicken - amazing. Bake covered in foil on 375 for an hour and then remove foil to brown. Put dripping in a bowl (separate the fat and set aside) and add 2 tps of flour to make a rue. Add more flour if you wish to make a thicker gravy, add salt to taste. I am so glad my wife made the suggestion to use the drippings. For the potatoes, use the fat that you set aside - brown the potatoes and deglaze the pan with a cup of pinot grigio white wine(the alcohol cooks out, the flavor remains) or a cup of vegetable stock - I prefer Wolfgang Puck. It has a richer, deeper flavor. The string beans are easy - cook the bacon first and throw the string beans in the fat for about a minute and then drain on paper towel and place in a pot of veg. stock and at serving time, crumble bacon at service times.
For dessert, I made a white silk bundt cake with vanilla bean glaze. This cake is so good, my kids call it the swan lake cake - they do ballet while eating it. My god-daughter gave it that name.
Dinner was so good - my 19 year old came home on her break from work to eat dinner with us.
Well, today it is finally raining - THANK GOD!!!!! We have not had rain in over a month, and my grass feels like straw underfoot. Down here, you can still be cutting grass in November.
It's one of those days when I don't think I am going to do much. I have to make dinner - so I need to get the wheels turning. Nothing special today - something easy. Who knows, it might just be a frozen pizza - YUCK!!!!!!!
I think I will work on finishing the writing of For This Child I Stand - A Guide the God-Parenting. Yes folks, I am working on a book. It's not going to be the great American novel, simply a guide to help people realize that being a god-parent is more than giving money - it's about your time as well.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Being Called Mr. Brown
OK - today our community had a multi family tag sale, mine being one of them. I am standing there getting my items all set to sell, when this kid walks up to me and had the nerve to say, "look mommy, it's Mr. Brown without the funny clothes on. Hey mister, are you Mr. Brown and why don't you have on your funny clothes - go and get them"
Two things went through my mind. One, am I that out of shape that I look like Mr. Brown? And two, doesn't this kid have any manners and does he know when to stay in a child's place and keep his comments to himself? There is something funny about living in the south vs the north. Down here, they just say what's on their minds and they don't really care how your take it. Like Madea said, you can come out of your purse or your back pocket - they really don't care. Needless to say, I went straight home and shaved the entire face. If I added some baby powder to the goatee and mustache - I can see how I look like David Mann.
Only in the south can you be charged with a DUI when meds affect your ability to drive. Only in the south does the news put your entire life story when you are caught running a red light and plaster your picture on "breaking news"
Anyway, the tag sale was a great success. We set up at 7:30 and by 9AM I had sold almost everything I brought out there to sell. People know how to haggle items priced $1 down to $0.25. Well today they met their match. A $1 is a $1. This might sound mean but - you can't have everything free. Stop having your hand out for something when I need the money just as bad as you want the item. I am a one income household and funds are T-I-G-H-T and you looking like it's in need of some food.
Now as for being called Mr. Brown - I will take it as a compliment.
Two things went through my mind. One, am I that out of shape that I look like Mr. Brown? And two, doesn't this kid have any manners and does he know when to stay in a child's place and keep his comments to himself? There is something funny about living in the south vs the north. Down here, they just say what's on their minds and they don't really care how your take it. Like Madea said, you can come out of your purse or your back pocket - they really don't care. Needless to say, I went straight home and shaved the entire face. If I added some baby powder to the goatee and mustache - I can see how I look like David Mann.
Only in the south can you be charged with a DUI when meds affect your ability to drive. Only in the south does the news put your entire life story when you are caught running a red light and plaster your picture on "breaking news"
Anyway, the tag sale was a great success. We set up at 7:30 and by 9AM I had sold almost everything I brought out there to sell. People know how to haggle items priced $1 down to $0.25. Well today they met their match. A $1 is a $1. This might sound mean but - you can't have everything free. Stop having your hand out for something when I need the money just as bad as you want the item. I am a one income household and funds are T-I-G-H-T and you looking like it's in need of some food.
Now as for being called Mr. Brown - I will take it as a compliment.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Long Day
Well, another day done and I am dog tired. I had to go to my son's school and recruit new cub scouts and parent leaders. It was a blast. It's nights like this that I enjoy living in the south. I dropped my son to another leader to take him to his den meeting while I ran the recruiting at the school.
We are sitting on a park bench outside of the karate center where our sons take lessons just across the train tracks. I am now sitting in my car waiting for one of the south's longest line of train cars - 106 box cars later, I finally get across the tracks. It's in the 90's down here with no relief in sight - there is a new kind of heat in Indian Trail, NC. My cell phone is ringing off the hook with parents asking where the meeting is, what time the meeting is and should they bring their son.
Two of the other leaders came to the meeting and they are also a part of why I do what I do. They make working together so much fun and stress-less. I couldn't work with finer people. They remind me so much of the friends from my early education days, who are also the same people planning my 25th high school reunion that I can't make it too. I am going to miss seeing those people. All these years later, and I enjoy calling them "friend"
Anywho - I finally perfected my recipe for the best chocolate chip cookies. My kids friends can smell a sweet treat from the bus and my house was crawling with kids looking for a treat. Good thing I baked 5 dozen. I love to see a happy child.
Anyway - I have to and work at the school store at 6:50 AM and give the teacher a break at lunch time at 11:30 so she can eat in peace. I will sit with the class and watch over all of them, open ketchup, pick food up off of the floor and walk them back to class.
Time to prepare for the community tag sale on Saturday.
Can you put a for sale tag on a dog?
We are sitting on a park bench outside of the karate center where our sons take lessons just across the train tracks. I am now sitting in my car waiting for one of the south's longest line of train cars - 106 box cars later, I finally get across the tracks. It's in the 90's down here with no relief in sight - there is a new kind of heat in Indian Trail, NC. My cell phone is ringing off the hook with parents asking where the meeting is, what time the meeting is and should they bring their son.
Two of the other leaders came to the meeting and they are also a part of why I do what I do. They make working together so much fun and stress-less. I couldn't work with finer people. They remind me so much of the friends from my early education days, who are also the same people planning my 25th high school reunion that I can't make it too. I am going to miss seeing those people. All these years later, and I enjoy calling them "friend"
Anywho - I finally perfected my recipe for the best chocolate chip cookies. My kids friends can smell a sweet treat from the bus and my house was crawling with kids looking for a treat. Good thing I baked 5 dozen. I love to see a happy child.
Anyway - I have to and work at the school store at 6:50 AM and give the teacher a break at lunch time at 11:30 so she can eat in peace. I will sit with the class and watch over all of them, open ketchup, pick food up off of the floor and walk them back to class.
Time to prepare for the community tag sale on Saturday.
Can you put a for sale tag on a dog?
New Day, Same Old Thing
Hit the alarm - again - it's 5:45AM and I have to get my son up, make sure he gets dressed, walk the dog and feed him, make the coffee and then it happens. I look in the mirror with one eye barely opened and I see it - a man in need of a shave, who loves his life. All of a sudden I think to myself - "if you are a reflection of Jesus, buddy you need some work." Thank God that His mercies are new each day.
Anyway, I finally get my son to the bus stop at 6:22AM (yes AM - now I really miss living in CT) to wait for a bus that is running late. She shows up at 6:30, an entire 8 minutes late. Doesn't seem like much, but when you have been standing in the dark for an additional 10 minutes and your skin is dark, and you are wearing dark clothes, and cars are driving by - you tend to blend into the shadows until you step into the light.
I can't wait to get that cup of coffee. I got the wife off to work, one kid off to school, and the girls are getting ready to go. One will go off to do her student teaching, one needs a ride to school because the pyramid project that we worked on - is too big to carry on the bus, and I might have to YELL at the college kid to get up.
It's not even 7AM and I am wondering what to make for dinner. I know it has to be easy and quick to prepare. Tonight is Cub Scouts and I need to get my uniform ironed and get to the school and recruit some families into the experience that is scouting. Of course, all of this is after homework and running the day's errands.
When I was child, scouting was so different. No one stayed with me, I was dropped off and that was the end of it. I got on the bus with the project and prayed it survived the ride to school. No one had to yell at me to get up - I was the usually the first one out of bed in the house and I made sure my younger siblings were awake before I walked out the door.
My friend Wendy is right - I am not Mr. Mom - I am Mr. Dad. I do it all and I love doing it. This is just an avenue to vent, reflect and pen the joys of being an at home dad. She is no longer that -2 in my life. She is a great friend, a great woman, and our family adores her from 750+ miles away.
This move has shown me who I can count on and who I can depend on in the times of need. Not financial, but encouragement, spiritual and someone to tell me when I am wrong. I love my family, but I LOVE my friends. Time to get that cup of coffee - I hear the girls going at each other. Let me go and referee - I swear we need a reality show -The Real McKoy's
Where's the sun?
Anyway, I finally get my son to the bus stop at 6:22AM (yes AM - now I really miss living in CT) to wait for a bus that is running late. She shows up at 6:30, an entire 8 minutes late. Doesn't seem like much, but when you have been standing in the dark for an additional 10 minutes and your skin is dark, and you are wearing dark clothes, and cars are driving by - you tend to blend into the shadows until you step into the light.
I can't wait to get that cup of coffee. I got the wife off to work, one kid off to school, and the girls are getting ready to go. One will go off to do her student teaching, one needs a ride to school because the pyramid project that we worked on - is too big to carry on the bus, and I might have to YELL at the college kid to get up.
It's not even 7AM and I am wondering what to make for dinner. I know it has to be easy and quick to prepare. Tonight is Cub Scouts and I need to get my uniform ironed and get to the school and recruit some families into the experience that is scouting. Of course, all of this is after homework and running the day's errands.
When I was child, scouting was so different. No one stayed with me, I was dropped off and that was the end of it. I got on the bus with the project and prayed it survived the ride to school. No one had to yell at me to get up - I was the usually the first one out of bed in the house and I made sure my younger siblings were awake before I walked out the door.
My friend Wendy is right - I am not Mr. Mom - I am Mr. Dad. I do it all and I love doing it. This is just an avenue to vent, reflect and pen the joys of being an at home dad. She is no longer that -2 in my life. She is a great friend, a great woman, and our family adores her from 750+ miles away.
This move has shown me who I can count on and who I can depend on in the times of need. Not financial, but encouragement, spiritual and someone to tell me when I am wrong. I love my family, but I LOVE my friends. Time to get that cup of coffee - I hear the girls going at each other. Let me go and referee - I swear we need a reality show -The Real McKoy's
Where's the sun?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Planning Dinner
This has been one of the most rewarding days. I cleaned out my son's room for a community tag sale that yours truly is coordinating with 10 other families. My wife is going to be in shock when she sees how empty the garage is - I really purged today.
Time to get my son off of the bus, give him a snack, get his homework done and get dinner going.
Today, I am think I am going to make pork tenderloin, roasted potatoes and string beans with bacon. My kids call it winter food, but I absolutely love the way it all comes together. I wish other dads would get on board and let's share some recipes and make all of our lives easier.
This tenderloin that I make is amazing. I get excited to see the look on my wife's face after she takes the first bite. I almost feel like I am living the movie "Julie and Julia." The difference is, these are my own recipes. Some women would say that I am wrong for how I prepare the meat, but I find that it comes out much more tender when I slice it first, then season it with thyme, granulated garlic, toasted onions, adobo, a bit of cumin and cover it in sliced onions, green peppers and a half cup of water. Cover it in foil and bake on a 375 oven for an hour and then make some homemade gravy with the dripping and a rue and let it bake another half hour for the gravy to soak in.
Well, I have to get to it. I can smell it baking right now.
No Job, No Interviews, But I have my wife, kids and a dog
Well, let's see. I moved my family to NC 2.5 years ago with all kinds of dreams. I thought that I would be working at a great job while my wife stayed home and took care of the kids. I wanted her to be able to enjoy the life of a suburban mom, wife and friend, like most suburban moms.
Little did I know that things would be different. You see, I went from a $69K a year job down to a mere $900 a month on unemployment-and God help us when it runs out. Having been here for almost three years, I have learned that the Charlotte area is NOT the best place to be looking for a job. I have not had one serious interview the entire time I have lived here, and the one that I was being asked to come in for, was 100 miles each way.
So now, she works and I do the cleaning, the cooking, the laundry, the mopping, the shopping, drive the kids, go to the schools, clip the coupons, walk/bathe and feed the dog, do the bake sales, go to cubscouts, work with youth at church, volunteer in our community and the list goes on and on and on.
This is not what I thought I would be doing and my wife loves it. So, to make a long story short - I decided to sit down and write about it.
Little did I know that things would be different. You see, I went from a $69K a year job down to a mere $900 a month on unemployment-and God help us when it runs out. Having been here for almost three years, I have learned that the Charlotte area is NOT the best place to be looking for a job. I have not had one serious interview the entire time I have lived here, and the one that I was being asked to come in for, was 100 miles each way.
So now, she works and I do the cleaning, the cooking, the laundry, the mopping, the shopping, drive the kids, go to the schools, clip the coupons, walk/bathe and feed the dog, do the bake sales, go to cubscouts, work with youth at church, volunteer in our community and the list goes on and on and on.
This is not what I thought I would be doing and my wife loves it. So, to make a long story short - I decided to sit down and write about it.
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