A good friend of mine just sent me a top ten list of things that have happened to him and his family in 2009. I thought, damn! what a great idea! So, to completely plagiarize his idea, i'm listing mine. (and I got bored with just black type so I colored it make it more kid friendly.)
10. Starting a chain of events that led me to move to Frederick. It wasn't a pretty couple of weeks and a very close call in keeping my job, but in the end I'm happier than ever. I miss Columbia quite often but Frederick ended up being a happier work environment for me and helped me get out of my funk! (if you're curious to know what happened you can always read the blog from April!)
9. Moving in with Alice. We really began to start our family and our lives together and discovered new things in our relationship. I still remember having nothing in our place but an air mattress and a lamp! And now, we can't move without tripping over all the crap laying around! Also along those lines, becoming a Co-Director with Alice. Another new change in our relationship and work status. Not only did we live together but we worked together as well! We see each other every second of the day. For some it would drive them crazy but for us, it makes us stronger. I don't know what I would do without her.
8. Alice's sister and nieces moving back to the States. What a great way to kickoff the summer! Having those two little girls in my life has certainly enriched it and entertained it! It has been so very cool to meet them, get to know them and spend time with them.
7. Rekindling and keeping in touch with friends. I know it's cheesy but over the last few months, I have really needed to reach out and hold on to all the close friendships I've had and developed. It keeps my sanity sometimes to remember people who care even if they are far away.
6. Chicago. It's always nice to get back in touch with the close friends I have there. Even though I see them once a year, we always pick up right where we left and have some really fun times!
5. New York City. Basically Alice and I's first trip together. She was cold, I was chilly and we had an amazing time. It was an incredible feeling to be in an exciting city with the woman I love and in a city I love!
4. Half Marathon. I took the leap and ran one! It was an incredible feeling to finish one of those. Just crossing that finish line and seeing everyone cheering for you was a really incredible moment and I loved it.
3. Moving out of Baltimore. I called this place home for 3 years and had a great roommate and I still miss her terribly. It was time to go become a grown up and I left kicking and screaming!
2. Ashley and Fesh's wedding. Another great time to spend with family and friends. Although getting licked by a tall man was something I don't really want to repeat anytime soon! And of course it brought Alice and I closer together.
1. Sam. I'm sure you all guessed that much! But seriously, he was the biggest joy to my life. He is everything a father could want from a son. Walking into the room and having him show off the biggest smile is a feeling that is indescribable. Having him is a joy that only being a parent can you truly understand. I still cannot believe that he's all mine (and Alice's) and I get the honor of raising him.
Something about looking back on all of the things that have happened over the year just makes you wonder what you'll change and what you'll struggle to keep the same. I know there's a lot of things going on right now with our economy, health plans, war, housing, taxes etc. but I am enjoying everything that has been happening.
It has been one hellva ride this year and for me, I've got a pretty good seat belt.
I just hope that life will continue to escalade and not plateau because I like to think I have plenty more thrills coming along. I wish you all the very best holidays (Unless you're Jewish and your holiday is over in which case I say, hope it was a good one!) and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Auld Lang Syne and that. Make the resolutions or break them but bring in that New Year with joy and love. As always, I hope to hear from you all on everything that is going on. You know how I like those updates!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Presents
What the hell do you give a 5 month old on his first Christmas? What traditions do you set? These are my questions. I have no idea how to celebrate this holiday any more! I need help! I'm freaking out on what are the best ideas for his first Christmas and he is more concerned about what happened to his bottle! Honestly. But I feel like holding this huge party in his honor! This is a big moment for him even if he doesn't realize it! This is one of the biggest holidays in our culture and being its his first, I should do something. Maybe dress up as Santa, drink egg nog, climb down a chimney?! I just am so excited about celebrating this wonderful time with him I can't think straight!
Art
Finally! After months upon months of waiting to give this wedding present to Matt and Meg, FINALLY! I've given it to them. Which means that I can finally post the picture on my blog without worrying if they'll see it before I give it to them. I think they liked it. I hope they did.
Let me know what you think. If you like it definitely let me know! If you don't like it well screw you! It took a while! Just kidding, I always welcome constructive criticism. Hah, I don't. I hate it. Just write that you think it sucks and we can go about our day. While I plot your demise.
THANKS!
Dadler
I think Dadler is some sort of magazine or online thing, totally checking it out if it is, but there are rules for mom's and dad's that I find hilarious and so very true. I'm sure some of you can relate to this and I just want you all to know that I did NOT create this list!
I don’t care how understanding and open-minded you are, part of the pride of parenting is leaning back and absolutely trashing the other parents in the world, even your best friends.
Of course, parents do this bashing – myself included – because the arrival of the baby revealed the stark and simple truth that as a parent – myself included – you have zero clue except for the blasting, north-star knowledge that parenting is really, really hard and that, well, you’re incompetent at it.
So like any good person stuck between a rock and hard place you go on the offensive. Assaulting the lack of values, talents, skills, and patience in those other moms and dads makes you feel better — at least until you get slammed.
And that’s where these rules come in. It’s just not fair for some people to make judgments – unless they can.
You can print these out and hand them to other parents and people you think might be judgmental…
Rule #1:
If you have no children (especially if you have no children and are over 56 years of age), keep your trap shut.
Rule #2:
If you are a childless teacher, please, only call me a rat-bastard after you’ve spent a snowy 24/7 schooless week trapped with your two students that are my spawn.
Rule #3:
Got just one kid and I’ve got two? Then stow it sister until you too can name the pleasures of two kids pooping at the same time … at the park.
Rule #4:
If your kid slept through the night from birth, please don’t share your technique.
Rule #5:
If you have three kids and have it all down, don’t pooh pooh a first-time parent’s neuroses. You once agonized about nipple shapes and nap schedules too.
Rule #6:
Got a newborn who has yet to do anything but poop and eat? Don’t dare telling me I’m bad for at least another 16 to 18 months (seriously, don’t even think about it).
Rule #7:
If your parents live next door and watch your kids when they’re sick, help with homework, and cook dinner, you’re not allowed to give me the evil eye when I don’t volunteer to co-chair the preschool auction. I’m already doing it all!*
Rule #8:
Angelic toddler who says, “Please” and doesn’t destroy anything? Please remember that most kids who are wild turn into lovely teenagers and most sweet, angelic toddlers wind up hellions during high school. Or at least I’ve been told.
Rule #9:
If you can quote Alfie Kohn, Harvey Karp, any Dr. Sears, Ferber, Ayelet Waldman, Neal Pollack, or Elizabeth Pantley, good for you. If I want to drink the Kool-Aid, I’ll let you know.
Rule #10:
If you’ve got two grown kids who were troublesome toddlers and yet still love you and are in great colleges, please, tell me the secret.
So, am I missing anything? Let me know.
*Thanks to Amy Graff of San Francisco Chronicle’s “The Mommy Files” for reminding me about this very important rule.
Like what you’re reading? Bookmark “The Dadler” and don’t miss a word.
Photo: “Swing!” by Gabriel Rocha
The Dadler: 10 Rules for slamming other parents
Parks can be dens of judgment
Of course, parents do this bashing – myself included – because the arrival of the baby revealed the stark and simple truth that as a parent – myself included – you have zero clue except for the blasting, north-star knowledge that parenting is really, really hard and that, well, you’re incompetent at it.
So like any good person stuck between a rock and hard place you go on the offensive. Assaulting the lack of values, talents, skills, and patience in those other moms and dads makes you feel better — at least until you get slammed.
And that’s where these rules come in. It’s just not fair for some people to make judgments – unless they can.
You can print these out and hand them to other parents and people you think might be judgmental…
Rule #1:
If you have no children (especially if you have no children and are over 56 years of age), keep your trap shut.
Rule #2:
If you are a childless teacher, please, only call me a rat-bastard after you’ve spent a snowy 24/7 schooless week trapped with your two students that are my spawn.
Rule #3:
Got just one kid and I’ve got two? Then stow it sister until you too can name the pleasures of two kids pooping at the same time … at the park.
Rule #4:
If your kid slept through the night from birth, please don’t share your technique.
Rule #5:
If you have three kids and have it all down, don’t pooh pooh a first-time parent’s neuroses. You once agonized about nipple shapes and nap schedules too.
Rule #6:
Got a newborn who has yet to do anything but poop and eat? Don’t dare telling me I’m bad for at least another 16 to 18 months (seriously, don’t even think about it).
Rule #7:
If your parents live next door and watch your kids when they’re sick, help with homework, and cook dinner, you’re not allowed to give me the evil eye when I don’t volunteer to co-chair the preschool auction. I’m already doing it all!*
Rule #8:
Angelic toddler who says, “Please” and doesn’t destroy anything? Please remember that most kids who are wild turn into lovely teenagers and most sweet, angelic toddlers wind up hellions during high school. Or at least I’ve been told.
Rule #9:
If you can quote Alfie Kohn, Harvey Karp, any Dr. Sears, Ferber, Ayelet Waldman, Neal Pollack, or Elizabeth Pantley, good for you. If I want to drink the Kool-Aid, I’ll let you know.
Rule #10:
If you’ve got two grown kids who were troublesome toddlers and yet still love you and are in great colleges, please, tell me the secret.
So, am I missing anything? Let me know.
*Thanks to Amy Graff of San Francisco Chronicle’s “The Mommy Files” for reminding me about this very important rule.
Like what you’re reading? Bookmark “The Dadler” and don’t miss a word.
Photo: “Swing!” by Gabriel Rocha
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