A Yearly Tradition
For the past ten plus years, my wife and I have been going to Madison for Memorial Day weekend. You see, there is a science fiction/fantasy writer's convention that's held there every year. So, while she goes off to learn more writing subjects, I get to go around with the DSLR and shoot whatever I can get to. We always look forward to this trip because that is where we first met and we get to see old friends who still reside in that neck of the woods.
I can't wait for the Farmer's market around the Capitol Square. Yes, it can be pretty crowded, but we usually stock up on certain items such as jam. I also get the chance to roam around the campus and see what has changed. I usually find plenty that has changed since our last visit.
Let's hope that the weather is good this weekend!
Going to be a single parent......
Ever since my wife found out that she has to go on an extended business trip earlier this year, I've had to come to grips with becoming a single parent.
I admit I am nervous about the challenge ahead. I'm lucky enough to have family nearby to help on the weekends, but it's just my son and I during the week. I've also been lucky enough to have generous friends offer to have playdates too. Many things have gone through my head: what to do if he gets sick; how will he react to mommy not being around for an extended period of time, can I get him to eat, etc. etc. etc.
Probably the crappiest part about it is that I'll be separated from my wife. Ever since our son came into our lives, I've witnessed her grow into the role of loving mother while trying to balance work and being my spouse. She's been absolutely fantastic. I can only hope that she sees me in the same light as I see her.
Well, the hours count down towards that time when Alex and I will have a ton of Father-Son bonding time. They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. I know for sure that that will be true when it comes to my wife.
Kindness begets Kindness
This past Sunday, we went to a Borders near us to check out their CD/DVD selection. Borders was having a 30% off sale. However, when we got there, the whole music and movie section was empty. Turns out that this particular store was no longer going to sell music and movies.
Alex's birthday is coming up soon. So, when he got to the childrens' section, he was like a kid in the candy store. He has a fascination with the Wonder Pets lately, and he found a book that he liked immediately. We also got him a Curious George Learns the Alphabet book and two others.
We ran across this French Patisserie run by St. Roger Abbey. Sandra and I each had a fruit tartlet. Alex had already had a Snickerdoodle cookie, so he didn't seem interested in the tarts. The nun that was behind the counter was gracious enough to give a mini chocolate eclair to Alex. He was shy and wasn't too sure what to make of it. It was a pretty cute scene. Let me tell you, the eclair was filled with chocolate cream and a little bit of hazelnut. VERY RICH.
I decided to put some money in Alex's hands and put it in their donation box for their charity work. She didn't have to give us that eclair for free, and the patisserie raises money for their charity work. I know Alex doesn't quite understand now, but it's never too early to plant the seed of giving.
Azada Puzzle fun
Yes, I admit it. I am a puzzle games junkie. Of course, that doesn't mean that I'm GOOD at them. One such series of games is AZADA. The most recent incarnation is based on nursery rhymes and stories of old.
After nearly a week, I got through the whole game.
Nostalgia Revisited
While surfing the internet (specifically Youtube), Sandra and I ran across some fun stuff. We first found the opening for the Banana Splits (Tra la la, la la la la....). Boy, that was fun. Quick, can you name the four characters WITHOUT GOOGLING? I only remembered three of them. We saw other cartoon openings (Thundarr the Barbarian, Captain Caveman, and Godzilla). Sandra found a website that sells DVD's for older cartoons and shows. Remember this one..... Johnny Sako and his Giant Flying Robot.
Aaaahhhhhh..... Good Times.
An actual NEW post!!!!
Okay, I've been a LITTLE behind in doing this (okay, a LOT behind). Anyway, I've been thinking about what people do in what little spare time that they have in their lives. Of course, it depends on their place in life: Single, married, married with kids, empty nesters, etc. My hobbies and interests have changed over the years. Racquetball, Birdwatching, Sporting Clays (aka - golf with a shotgun), and war games were just some of the things that I did in my spare time during my single and long-distance dating days.
Now, being married and having a 1-year old son, I have only two hobbies: Photography and Genealogy. The problem is finding time on a consistent basis to follow these endeavors. My son is priority one. I try to spend time with him as soon as I get home from work late in the evening. I have had one tutoring sessions with the photographer who took our son's 6-month and 1-year photos. Here is one of the "assignment" photos that deal with shutter speed and motion. My wife was nice enough to give me another session for Father's Day.
I try to incorporate my wife and son in my shutterbug addiction (as subjects). I'll post some pictures later because I'm tired and lazy right now.
Well, I've listed my hobbies. What are some of yours?
In Sickness and ..... in sickness
Well, the past couple of weeks has been pretty stressful and to top it all off.... the family is playing musical illness. Having a kid in day care is like having an illness carrier. All sorts of fun stuff appear in daycare. Alex is just getting over his RSV (respiratory syncitial virus) spell. For the past 10 days, I have had a respiratory disorder that had me coughing up different colors in the morning and some flecks of blood. My doctor checked me out and prescribed a 10 day supply of antibiotics (at 10 dollars a pill). Thank goodness for health insurance.
Of course, as soon as I'm feeling better, I get nauseated overnight and vomit. Add to that a fever of 101, and you get a day off from work. I'd rather be working, if you ask me. Sandra is the healthiest of the bunch, and she has sinus congestion. Pretty sad, eh?
Anyway, the painters are done in the house and furniture is being delivered tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, due to the illnesses, we probably won't be in our house by Christmas. That's okay. The main thing is that I have family to spend it with.
I wish you and yours a very Happy Holiday season and best wishes for the upcoming new year.
