Monthly Archives: March 2013

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Bingeing on some Vedder, not Vader…

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Funny Conversation…

Me – Who is this?


Cameron – Eddie Vedder


Me – No, it’s Dave Mathews Band


Cameron – Oh…

Me – Who is this?


Cameron – Eddie Vedder

Me – No, this is Radiohead


Cameron – Oh…


Me – Who is this?


Cameron – I’m not going to say Eddie Vedder. I got that right didn’t I?

Let the good times roll…

There was a time in my life when I was introduced to a band and lead singer who would change how I would view, listen, and embrace the world.  The band was Pearl Jam and the singer/songwriter was Eddie Vedder.  I am not one of those crazy fans who have posters, tattoos of their album covers or lyrics engraved on my arm.  But, I relate to his music and recently LIFE happened and I was reluctant to have his lyrics and music to escape to.  I don’t have anything in common with Mr. Vedder with exception of living in San Diego and Chicago like he did and I ended up marrying a girl from Seattle.

Was this fate?  Is Pearl Jam my version of The Who?  Is Eddie Vedder my Bob Dylan?  I am able to connect to his songs and lyrics more now then I did when I was younger.  Long Road, Oceans, Even Flow, Alive, Indifference, Black, and Yellow Ledbetter all speak to me in ways I can’t begin to describe.  The lyrics are profound and are deep in meaning.  How does this relate to my blog?  Well, as I have written in the past, both Cameron and Parker love music, which I am thankful for.  I hope one day when LIFE gets in the way for my children they kind find peace and comfort in music.  It doesn’t have to be Pearl Jam or Eddie Vedder, but in the mean time, I’ll let them soak up as much of my influence as possible.

Long Road – Pearl Jam

I wished for so long…I can not stay

All the precious moments…Can not stay

Its not like wings have fallen…I can not say

Still something is missing…I can not say

When Cameron and I are in the car we play, “who is this”, of music.  I have conditioned him to say Eddie Vedder to every song that he hears.  I know, I’m bad, but I find it amusing when he gets it correct.

It was a bright sunny day and Cameron and I were headed back home from a day at the zoo.  Windows were down, the wind was in our hair, the music was blasting and we were replaying the day’s events in our conversation.  I had my iPod in hand and shuffling through my songs and asked Cameron, “Who is this?”  Without hesitation, Cameron replied, “Eddie Vedder.”  After listening for a few seconds of Dave Matthews, Grace is Gone, I informed him that is was not Eddie Vedder.  After the song was over and shuffling through a few more songs, I asked Cameron, “Who is this?”  Once again, without hesitation he blurted out, “Eddie Vedder!”  Again, with regret, I had to inform him that it was in fact Radiohead, Karma Police.  I started to shuffle through the songs again and noticed the frustration build in Cameron’s face.  I stopped on a song and hit play, and before I could even get the question out of my mouth, Cameron responded, “I’m not going to say Eddie Vedder.  I got that right didn’t I?”  Feeling bad, I decided to hit the skip button, because in fact it was Eddie Vedder’s, Hard Sun.

I had to let him win at least once…

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Fishing with the Kings

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Funny Conversation…



Cameron – Daddy, I’m the fisher king!

Me – What makes you the fisher king?

Cameron – I caught 12 fish and a foot long fish!

Me – That makes you an ichthyologist (look it up)


Cameron – Yeah, I’m that and a fisher king!

Let the good time roll… 

How many years does it take for something to become a “rite of passage”?  When does something that has little meaning at the time, have such a huge impact later in life?  For the past few days these are the questions that I have been asking myself.  Am I teaching my children the things that my father taught me, and the things his father taught him?  Do I accurately and correctly re-tell a story that was told to me by my grandfathers?  Am I teaching them the proper way, the way I was taught to tie a hook to a fishing line?  What was the secret I was taught on how to properly put a worm on a hook?  Do I tell my children talking doesn’t scare fish away?  Or, do I tell them talking does scare fish away?  Will they be able to digest the sights and sounds of their surroundings?  Will they breath in the fresh air and value how their time is being spent?  Will they place their hand in the cool water and bask in the day’s sunlight?  Will they listen to the sloshing of water under the metal boat and stare in the sky and wonder where the birds are headed?  I know only time will tell, but I have a feeling all will be perfect in the end.  My children are blessed by two guiding lights, which will be there for them when the path gets dim, and the light of day dissipates into night.

I can remember fishing in the ponds of Oklahoma with my Grandpa and Great-Grandpa.  I can remember fishing in the ponds of Missouri with my Dad and Grandpa.  I can remember fishing in the lakes of Wisconsin with my Brothers.  Fishing brings us together and will be a part of our family for generations to come.  Recently, my Dad took Cameron to Missouri to go fishing with my Grandpa (Cameron’s Great-Grandpa).  There is no better time to spend fishing, than fishing with Grandpa’s.  Every night we would get an excited phone call from Cameron telling us about his afternoon of catching fish.  During one conversation Cameron blurted out, “Daddy, I’m the Fisher King!”  I can only imagine which grandpa fed him that line?  I was happy he thought he was the Fisher King, but jealous at the same time and asked, ”What makes you the Fisher King?”  I was picturing him struggling to reel in a small perch and be so excited that he caught one fish.  I wasn’t prepared for the response of, “Because, I caught 12 fish and a foot long fish”.   One thing you have to understand about my family, we are HIGHLY competitive.  I don’t care if you’re 4 years or 99 years old, if you tell me you caught 12 fish and have evidence of your catch; I’m going to be pissed!  I was proud of my son, but felt it necessary to bring him back down from cloud 9 and told him, “That makes you an ichthyologist.”  For a few seconds there was silence and thought I was getting the last laugh on my 4-year old son when he replied, “Yeah, that and a FISHER KING!”  To do this day, I have never caught 12 fish in one day, and as usual, Cameron gets the last laugh.

This post is dedicated to both of my Grandfathers, two men I have always looked up to and admire.

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WTF, Over…

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Mission: Create diversion to avoid the unnecessary crying from Parker

Details – Special Operations team Daddy (SOD) will approach the perimeter of the heavily guarded gates of Parker from the East. When SOD is close and a secured position has been established, SOD will standby for further instruction via Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot (WTF). Once SOD is given orders by WTF, he will bombard Parker with toys, blanket, and monkey to capture, or eliminate target.

Situation Report – SOD was faced with heavy tear artillery and secured position was compromised.  With ammo which consisted of, 1 package of gummy bears, 2 packs of Oreo cookies, and 2 National Geographic for Kids magazines and toys running out, SOD called for a “Broken Arrow”.  SOD relied on the heavy artillery from the USS Refrigerator and air support from VIT-D GALLON JUG-16 Fighter to drop a 4 ounce pay load of milk cups and apples to bring the tears of Parker to an end.

Mission Outcome – SOD was able to capture Parker and provide her with the necessary sleep she needed.  However, SOD has yet to return from the bar…

I know this is not my usual format, but I enjoyed writing this one…

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Sir, you dropped your underwear…

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Funny Conversation…

Lady – SIR, SIR!!

Me :: I turn around ::

Lady – I saw these fall out of your pant leg

Me – Thanks :: Horrified I immediately grab my underwear out of her hand and put them in my pocket ::

Lady – You’re welcome

Let the good times roll…

Today was a preschool day for my son and we all woke up late…I mean real late, 8:45ish and his class starts at 9:10.  We are usually up and ready to go by 7:30, but for some reason the Father Gods were probably golfing and enjoying a good laugh at my expense.  After rolling over and looking at the clock, I felt my throat hit my feet as I jumped out of bad.  In the process of jumping out of bed, I yell for everyone to get up.  In doing so, I’m sure Cameron thought the Decepticons were about to attack our secret hideout.  I scrambled to each room to ensure each of my kids were alive and gave my marching orders.  As I am getting Parker dressed (I refuse to take her any where in her pajamas), Cameron walks in wearing an outfit that…that, I don’t know what it was, but he was dressed.  Before heading downstairs I have both children brush their teeth and while overseeing the haphazard attempt of teeth brushing, I’m calculating how much time we have for breakfast, and how long it will take to officially get out of the house.  I figured I would have at least have 3 minutes to get Cameron a well-balanced meal and another 5 seconds to get shoes on the correct feet and jackets on.  We head downstairs and I throw Cameron fruit snacks, a granola bar, and a diet coke and tell him to eat his breakfast.  For some reason he had a look of fear in his eyes!  I don’t understand why?  As I’m getting Parker ready, Cameron at what seemed to be a painstakingly slow pace dons his jacket and shoes.  As I’m about to head out the door, I realize I’m still wearing shorts and a t-shirt.  I run back up stairs and put on the previous day’s clothes and run back downstairs. I buckle Parker into her seat while Cameron jumps in his seat and we are off.  I’m driving through my neighborhood at 50mph, when it’s a 25mph speed zone…I didn’t care!  We pull in the parking lot and I jump out of the car to unpack the kids.  I then realized I failed to buckle Cameron into his seat – I’m sure I’m going to hell for that.  I finally get both kids out of the car and head towards the entrance.  I’m carrying Parker and Cameron is following in tow.  We are mid-way through the parking lot when I stepped in a pothole that was covered with snow and slush. My foot is immediately engulfed in ice-cold water – literally everything in my body shrank.  I attempt to regain my composure and I’m happy with the fact that I did not utter the word “FUCK” multiple times.  I look at my watch and it read 9:10, not bad!!  As we are sprinting towards the door I hear a lady yell from behind us, “SIR, SIR!” I turn around to see this lady running towards me.  My first thought was to ignore the lady and continue on my mission to get Cameron to school on time.  As she is running towards me, she is waving a pair of underwear over her head (picture Charlie finding the Wonka Golden Ticket).  The second thought came to my head was, this lady is going to glitter bomb me with someone’s underwear.  When she finally caught up with us she tells me, “I saw these fall out of your pant leg.” She handed me my skivvies and giggled while walking away.  The third thought to go through my head, are these my underwear and did she just hand them to me?  Thankfully, I have yet to encounter this lady again, but if I do, I plan on giving her a high five because I got Cameron to school on time and I’m not down a pair of underwear.

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That’s how I rock Daddy!!

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Funny Conversation…

 

Cameron – We’re party rockin’ in the house tonight!!


Me – Why are party rockin’ in the house tonight?

Cameron – Because we’re shufflin’, shufflin’!

Me – How long are we going to be rocking in the house and shuffling for?

Cameron – Until the sun goes down and star come out!

Me – Where do you come up with this stuff? You’re going to be a good wingman!

Cameron – That’s how I rock Daddy!!! 



Let the good times roll…

One of the greatest gifts that you can give a child is the gift of music.  Or, culturing your child in different types of music so they can appreciate different genres.  Janel and I are polar opposites when it comes to music and our music collections.  She is more of pop, country, new era music.  I prefer hip-hop/rap, rock, alternative, classic-rock, and whatever has a good beat or acoustic sound.  Cameron is able to distinguish Eddie Vedder’s voice in a blink of an eye, sing a verse of Adele (Rumor has it, Rumor has it), dance to Single Ladies, and jam to LMFAO.  I remember when music was a major topic of discussion and how certain types of music would pollute the mind.  I disagree and believe music opens up different avenues for creativity and communication.

Cameron loves music and I am thankful he has an ear for a variety of music.  As of late he finds it humorous to respond to questions in a form of a lyric, or make an off the wall comment that makes you go…HUH?  One afternoon Cameron and I were playing in the basement and he started to CRUNK and stated, “We’re party rockin’ in the house tonight!!!” Curious as to why he was quoting LMFAO I asked, “Why are we party rocking in the house tonight?”  It was noon and there was definitely no rocking going on as we were playing the Curious George matching game.  As he flipped over a mismatched card he responded, “Because we’re shufflin’, shufflin’!!”  At this point he had me sucked into the conversation and questioned, “How long are we going to be rocking in the house and shuffling for?”  Without hesitation, a blink of an eye, or with little thought, Cameron retorted, “Until the sun goes down and stars come out?”  Cameron threw me for a loop by quoting The Wanted and amazed me by being able to understand my question and use the quote in the correct connotation.  My son is amazing!!  I was curious to know where he learned all this and asked, “Where do you come with this stuff?”  After flipping over another mismatched card and deciding how he was going to respond, he looked at me, shrugged his soldiers and replied, “That’s how I rock Daddy.”  I look forward to the day we can roll down the street smoke endo while sippin’ on gin and juice. (That’s a Snoop Dog lyric, don’t freak out) 

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You have no balls!!

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Funny Conversation…

 

Me – Cameron, you have to dodge the balls

Cameron – Daddy, you have no balls


Janel Klinetobe :: laughs in the background ::

Me – I know, mine disappeared 8 years ago!

Cameron – Balls disappear?

Me – Yep, they sure do!



Let the good times roll…

Cameron is getting to the age where sports and activities are taking control of our lives, or about to take control of our lives (I embellished on the first part of the sentence).  He has participated in a sports class and is now in gymnastics.  He looks forward to Saturday’s at the rec center to work on his gymnastics skills and in my opinion he is quite good and we will see how far it takes him, or how quickly he loses interest.  I am a firm believer in organized sports and activities for the bond it creates not only between other children but also as parents.  It is fun watching him run around on the mat doing summersaults, jumping on the trampoline and giving me the thumbs up if he doing well or a thumbs down if he thinks he can do better.  It reminds me of the bond that I had with my father when he would throw pop-ups to me at a local park, or shoot hoops out on the driveway.  Life is more than TV, movies, and video games and I hope Cameron appreciates the activities we sign him up.  I personally look forward to the day when we will be schlepping baseball bags, football gear, and possibly hockey sticks around to get to the next game.

We recently signed Cameron up for a sports class, which taught kids to play soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and dodge ball.  I didn’t realize dodge ball was a sport until my brothers reminded me it is played on ESPN OCHO.  The night or days before the class Janel and I would teach Cameron some of the basic concepts of each sport so he would have a better understanding of the game he was going to learn.  The night before the dodge ball class we went to the basement and stated the rules and decided to have a dodge ball tournament.  Yes, I chucked balls at my son!!  Cameron didn’t understand the concept you have to duck, dodge, dive, dip, and dodge from the balls that are coming at you at a high rate of speed.  I kept telling Cameron, “ You have to dodge the balls.”  Cameron from the other side of the room decided to hit me below the belt and replied, “Daddy, you have no balls.”  You would think that Cameron told the most amazing joke of all time because my wonderful wife couldn’t stop laughing hysterically and had to leave the room to regain her composure.  In order to regain the little dignity that I had left explained, “My balls disappeared 8 years ago.”  I knew Cameron was clueless in the context I was speaking of and asked, “Balls disappear?”  As Janel walked back down the stairs and I looked at her and responded, “Yep, they sure do!” and proceeded to launch every hard object at my wonderful wife.