Category: parenting

Oh, what a feeling…

So, I go out to the kitchen to get a drink. I turn on the light in the living room, and hear a thump, look around, and see a cat slinking around the island.

So, what was the cat trying to get into? We will never know…

Bookmark catchup

So every month or so, I try to dump all the bookmarks I made, especially for things I didn’t have time to comment on at the moment of discovery…

Quite a first day…

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After a fairly long first day, G called,

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and insisted on a long-distance hug as I got to look at this view.

Yeah, it was a good day.

Happy new everything…

You know, as much attention as the recreational pot in Colorado story is getting, you would think it was mandatory, and that by this time tomorrow, the only other surviving industry in the state will be pizza delivery.

It’s been much too long since I’ve cleaned out my bookmarks folder: here is the result:

A few thoughts as 28 years end, and year 29 begins…

So, Cy and I spent dinner tonight talking. After 28 years together, that’s still my favorite part of us being together. Usually we’re laughing and joking, but I even appreciate those times when we argue. Let’s face it, he usually comes around to my side sooner or later! (Or maybe it’s the other way ’round, but who’s counting!)

I love that when we chose to become parents, we both dedicated ourselves to her. I love how she reflects both of us, and I love how she stands up to us. I love how her sense of humor reflects both of ours, yet stands independently alone as her own.

Cy, I love how working so closely with you these past two years feels like a fresh start, without forgetting the past. I love how you encourage me to new challenges. I love that twinkle in your eye that first caught my eye, and I love that I know I will see it tomorrow, and again and again for the next 29+ years. I love that we’ve grown up together, and I love that I believe that we’ll grow old together.

Happy anniversary!

Flattered twice in the past 24 hours…

G said two things:

  1. Everyone in the house, including the dog, loves my bread.
  2. I should stay home all day to bake bread. Apparently that’s worth more to her than my day job…

My fear is that when she learns that I don’t bake during the heat of summer, she’ll try to get me to move further north. That’s NOT going to happen…

It’s an axiomatic epiphany…

… But I know too many friends who are currently suffering. Sure, suffering is the human condition, but there should be reasonable limits, right?

Also, “Axiomatic Epiphany” would be a great name for a band.

What a day…How much can I learn from my daughter at a waterpark?

After an impromptu sleepover, we took G and a friend to Schlitterbahn. Between a lack of sleep, sheer distance, the energy of youth, thunderstorms, exuberantly potent displays of reliability, wrecks on the other side of the highway, stoplights under repair, road construction, long family conversations, t-mobile incompetence, and toll-road cronyism, it has been a very long, long day.

Important things I have learned today:

  1. G understands that “No.” means “No.” Even with us. Last night we were looking at the web site, she saw one ride we had dome before, and she said, “I don’t want to do that one anymore.” (It does shove water up your nose!) Today, she said “yes” but then changed her mind. After I had already gone down it. With her glasses in one pocket, and our cash in another, so I had no hands free to protect myself from the onslaught. I waited for the folks after me to make a loop around the “lazy river”, then went looking for them. Found them just as they were reaching the bridge. I wasn’t even mad. I’m glad she stands up for herself, even with us. I want her to be a strong woman when she grows up, so I’m glad to reinforce that “no” means “no!”
  2. There is one very strong indicator that I am aging out of amusement/water parks. I have no tattoos, and plan on none until I can marry in the state I live in. We’ll do wedding ring tattoos, just to prove to you breeders that you all are, in fact, dilettantes compared to us. (But don’t get me wrong — I still support straight marriage!)
  3. No amount of consoling can relieve G from the sound of nearby thunder. Even when surrounded by incredibly tall, incredibly grounded metal poles.
  4. Without time for analysis, I cannot distinguish between “The Illusionist” and “The Prestige”. I know that one has Bowie as Tesla, and one has a Phillip Glass score, but which is which? Beats me, and I’m watching one of them now. I cannot name it.
  5. There is only one person on the planet worse than estimating time than Cy, and that person is me.
  6. My daughter is a rule-follower (I knew that before.) Even through teenage-like rebellion and seemingly-endless negotiation, she chooses what is proper. We try to reward this behavior. She knows how to exploit this rewarding. This is the essence of “standoff”, and leads to very tedious discussions in the end. Factual arguments can sway her well, and she knows this pleases me, and leads to greater rewards down the road.
  7. I’m in trouble, as a parent. G knows me too well.