My view of the struggle

Corrine, Wifey's good friend, posted about a tough day. Even saying it like that doesn't do it justice. It was one of those days that makes parenting not seem worth the effort. How sad is that to admit to. We've all had them. We do our best, maybe a little of our worst comes out, but no matter what we try the kids don't want to work with us. Her story made me think about bedtime last night, when I got fed up by the lack of love coming my way...

I come at this conversation from a different angle than Corrine, or Wifey - I'm gone almost 90% of the kid's day. When I do get home it is dinner, maybe a little play, bath, books and bed. With a HUGE amount of screaming and general mayhem thrown in. The end result is the very small amount of time I get to see my 3 amigos is usually quite chaotic. I try to savor every bit of it, but when my little girl throws a fit each and every night, screaming that she wants Mommy to put her to bed (and now the littlest one has learned to join in) it's really hard to grin and suck it up and try to be happy with them. Tucking in should be a happy time, not a time for ear-shattering screaming right?

I lost it last night. I'll try to do better tonight. I know it is silly and a waste of time and energy to expect these little people to understand that it is nice to share the love. How can they know how important it is for Dad to get some snuggle time too? It's not that they don't want Daddy time, it's just that as soon as the book is done it is Mommy or else. It's tough on Wifey to be all things to all people so I try to stick up for her and say nope, it's a Daddy night. But then the screaming starts, as it always does, and I end up leaving the room to one unhappy 3 year-old. I/we should know better. Having Mommy climb into bed after putting the other down is a small price to pay for peace and happiness, we just have to remember that in the moment.

I can't believe I'm about to do this....

I just noticed something about today. And it made me think of the Barenaked Ladies. Wifey will be so proud of me. And all my other friends will slap me for admitting that yes, I do know most of the lyrics to most of their songs. It's one of those things about marriage - you pick things up here and there and soon enough you've been castrated.

Um, well maybe not castrated per se, but close e-friggin-nuff.

So, what was it about today that made me think of these (now) 4 funny guys from Northern North Dakota? Today's date of course!

And here are two versions. The first is the professional one - an actual music video for kids. The second is far worse quality but it shows why their concerts are so great to go to. Oh crap, did I just admit that too?

The professional one -

Now the better one -

Happy 789!

For a hat???

I was watching Sportscenter over the weekend and saw that most (all?) baseball teams were wearing these hats with the American flag put into their logo. When I saw the Yankees version I immediately wanted one. Then... I found out how much these vultures were charging for them. $37 for a hat??? I'm sorry, does it sing or make me breakfast too? I mean, it's no brick or anything! Then I found out that the hat raised money for the organization Welcome Back Veterans and it made a little more sense. Great hat, donation to a fantastic charity, what more could you ask for?

How about $37 to afford the dang hat?

I still want the hat.

And the brick. :)

Oh, and 7 3/4 if you're wondering.

Happy 4th!

July in and around Washington is typically just plain nasty. Hot, humid, flash thunderstorms almost every day - just not a fun place usually. It is usually second only to August, and maybe the gates of hell, in terms of enjoyable weather. It also seems to be a pattern that the 4th is always nasty in one way or another, usually hot and humid. Today though? It is just beautiful out. Late morning getting out of bed, Belgian waffles for breakfast, Wifey making some seriously nasty peanut butter banana bread stuff (*gag* peanut butter and banana should never be put together for any reason!!!!), that everyone except me seems to love, in the kitchen and me enjoying my bestest father's day present ever....

Happy 4th everyone, I hope you're enjoying your day.

Excuse you?

That's it Mr. Orange!

I'm ashamed. I'm flabbergasted. I just don't know you any more. How could you not watch something like this, from America's Best Dance Crew, and not be entertained????

And I apologize for the popups, it had the best quality.

You're dead inside dude!

A double dose of huh?

I love the TV "variety" shows that have been on the last few years. So You Think You Can Dance, America's Got Talent, I even watched Idol for a while a few years ago. You know you love 'em too so stop snickering.

But this? They laughed and voted this "through to the next round???"

I just don't get it.

Second, I think everyone knows I am a Yankees fan. And I take a LOT of crap about it from my friends. I don't think it's fair to hate the Yankees though. We Yankee fans went through many years of garbage teams (think the 80's and early 90's) to get back on top. Then we spent a ton to stay there, just like the Red Sox are doing, and all other teams are trying to do, now. Haters....

But sometimes I just don't understand the marketing aspect of the business. I know it costs a ridiculous amount of money to buy a decent left-handed pitcher but I thought they made all of that back by way of the $8 beers and $1,200 tickets. Then I see this...

https://www.bigtimebats.com/catalog/?product=3730

Yes folks, it is a brick. A $200 brick in fact. Said brick happened to live in a little place called Momument Park for 85 years, but it is still just a brick. What kind of hopped-up moron would pay $200 for a brick?

I want a brick.

I'm back baby!

Yes, I'm back. The crisis at work is over and I'm able to bring my laptop home again. No more fat fingers on tiny keys on Wifey's netbook. Oh the joy. I've got so much to catch up on I don't know where to start...

Probably too much for tonight, I'll get back in the swing of things tomorrow.

But it's good to be back.