Reading blogs

Sometimes when the Lovely One actually vacates the computer chair I look at different blogs. Ones she follows or our friends follow and I saw this Honest Scrap award and the person posted that they weren't going to give it out but invited people to give it out to other bloggers instead. If you read Fat, Angry Blog you will know that FAB is very honest so I am going to give this award to her and ask her to post 10 honest things about herself.

Winter Advice

Since we have had snow here in Waterloo for a few days, it won't be long until we can tobaggen!!! YAY!! This should be Canada's Official Sport. I love it. And the two oldest nose-miners in my house, love it as well. So I thought some winter safety tips would be appropriate. What better person to give us some tips than one of the Greatest Canadians ever?

An eventful weekend in Waterloo

This weekend we had Sister S and Saturday we had the chance to meet 2 of our Olympic Champions. So I loaded up the two older kids for the short drive to the new bank opening were the ladies were appearing. Cheryl Pounder and Becky Kellar of the Canadian Women's hockey team. They were very friendly and nice, and the Terror Twins were excited to meet the Olympians. They both received autographed hockey pucks. And we also had our first significant snowfall here in the 'Loo. We dressed up wee girl and took her out to see her first snow. She wasn't too impressed. Neither am I, the snow is still around on Sunday :(

My first blog hop

Never joined one of these before. Let's see what happens.

Justin Hines

An artist that I really like is Justin Hines. If you have never heard of him, here's a little bit of info on him. He is a Canadian singer-songwriter born in Newmarket, Ontario. He was born with a rare genetic disease called Larsen's Syndrome.
Because of this, he is confined to a wheelchair.
His interest in music started at an early age. Justin's first taste of success came at the age of 14 when he won a national contest against hundreds of others, and his first performance was in front of 17,000 people at a Toronto Raptors game. He has since released 3 albums, including a Christmas album, and his most recent, Chasing Silver was released in 2009. He has also founded the Justin Hines Foundation, which helps people with disabilities. Here's one of the songs from his most recent album "Chasing Silver", Courage (Come Out to Play). I hope you enjoy it.

Yabba Dabba Doo!!

Today is the 50th Anniversary of The Flintstones(!!). Yes, really!! It was originally an adult cartoon (not that kind), which evolved into a children's show. Many people feel that the show was just a thinly veiled, animated version of The Honeymooners. In any case, I always got a big kick out of the show and their use of stone-age technology. An elephant dishwasher, a bird as a record player etc. I've included here probably the most politically incorrect cartoon clip ever and also one of my favourite musical moments.Here's to 50 more years of Flintstones!!

My Little Girl is 6 months old today!!

Hiram Bullock (September 11, 1955 – July 25, 2008)

Two years ago today, we lost a fantastic guitar player and musician, Hiram Bullock. While you may not recognize his name, you have heard his playing. He was born in Osaka, Japan to African American parents who were serving in the US Military.
Hiram Bullock studied at the University of Miami music college, meeting guitarist Pat Metheny, and bass-players Jaco Pastorius and Will Lee. He paid his way at university by playing nightclub gigs in Florida, before moving to New York. He became best known for playing with David Letterman's band on TV, and touring and recording with David Sanborn. As well, his playing can be heard on Steely Dan's Gaucho (1980), Paul Simon's One Trick Pony (1980), Sting's Nothing Like the Sun (1987) (solo on the cover of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing) and Billy Joel's The Stranger (1977).
In 2007 Bullock was diagnosed with throat cancer, but responded well to treatment and began touring again. However, longer-term problems related to substance abuse culminated in his death on July 25, 2008. He was honored by David Letterman on his show. Here are two great videos of him. Enjoy. RIP Hiram, hope you're jamming with Stevie...

Live Aid at 25

Today is the 25th anniversary of Live Aid. Can you believe it? It doesn't seem that long ago. What a faboulous concert it was. It was a once in a lifetime event, and I don't think anyone could pull it off in this day and age. Do you remember that Phil Collins played at both locations, London and Philadelphia? It wouldn't be possible now, because he travelled on the Concorde, which is now out of service. Live Aid certainly raised awareness of famine in Africa, and set the stage for later multi-superstar concerts such as Amnesty International. Here are a few of my favourite performances from the show.

Beware of the Beige Corolla

Man, I hate these things!! Whenever I see someone driving one of these cars, I try and avoid them. It always seems they are driving too slow, hogging the left on the highway, or the person is driving like an idiot. There is something about these cars, that make people lose all common sense. These cars have to be the most boring things on the planet. Maybe it's boring, un-interesting people who are driving them. I don't understand what it is about these machines that turns anyone who drives them into brain-dead zombies. I wish all these cars could be gathered up and put into the crusher, it would make the world a better place to live.

Sometimes You Gotta Say....WTF??!!

Grr....after having a couple of rough days with a 7 year old with attitude, sometimes you have to find things to make you laugh. Our friend Heather showed this to me. So, when things get rough, and too much to bear keep this phrase in mind.

Rockin Out on Sesame Street

I remember watching this when I was a kid. There's nobody funkier than Stevie!

Don't Give Up

Despite Popular Opinion...I'm Not a Fuck-Up

I know people don't really think this way of me.. but sometimes I wonder. I have basically felt this way most of my life. That I was underachieving. I can look back at all the different points in my life, especially all through school and see it right away. All my report cards said the same thing. "Could do better" and "If he applied himself". It was a toss up between if I was lazy or just not trying. I frustrated my parents endlessly with homework and assignments, because they knew I was smart. I have no problem remembering things that seem trivial ( to some people). Stuff about movies, tv shows, baseball statistics, comics, antique cars.
Focusing on the task at hand has always seemed to be a problem for me. Much of my working life has been the same. I have always managed to hold down a job for the most part. But I have never really been successful, or progressed into management. And overall, the jobs I've had, have been boring, uninteresting and unfulfilling. For years, I have struggled to figure out where my interests lie, and to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. At my current job, I come home hating it. But I'm thankful I made it through anotehr day without flipping out or getting fired or any major mishaps. I find I have to psych myself up in the morning, and for a few minutes in the car before 8am. Often during the day, I have feelings of anxiety and being overwhelmed, and that I can't do this job. This, has many times led into depression, feeling like a failure and low self-esteem. The only thing I feel that I'm good at, is being a father. Even then there has been some major issues.
I have really been having a hard time dealing with this lately. After much debate with the Lovely One, and some online tests, she has made me realize that I probably have undiagnosed adult ADHD. It only took her three years to do this. I realize that online tests don't really make anything official, but going over everything and the various answers, I can see my whole life in the test results. It really explained a lot, and I feel better knowing there is a cause for what has been happening for my whole life. And I have started reading information on line and I attended my first support group meeting last week.The group is mainly for parents with ADHD children (our daughter Rhyme Girl), but there is also some overlap with the group. Several adults there have found out they have ADHD that hadn't been diagnosed until later in life. And also a few parents have children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) like our son, Little Man. What really amazed me was that, all these other parents were exactly the same as me, facing the same issues and problems. And the fact that I wasn't alone. I'm not sure how I am going to move on from here, but hopefully this can bring some more understanding about myself.

Still Here...

Just to let everyone know, I haven't fallen of the planet. Between the new baby(as opposed to an OLD baby, jeez...sometimes I'm such a moron), trying to figure out a new schedule, getting in a quick nap whenever we can, and my cat Josie passing away, there hasn't been much time for anything. I have been surfing around, just catching up on blogs, and not really doing anything where I have to concentrate and think too much.I was amazed to find out today was Thursday. I think I got Cara's pregnancy brain. Anyway, I'll be putting up some more baby pictures soon, and writing about the new adventures of parenthood. Till then...adieu

RIP Josie

My cat Josie died tonight in my arms. She was old and smelly, but I loved her a great deal. I noticed she had been acting weird the last few days, all of a sudden she just went downhill really, really fast. I think she was about 16. I loved the way whenever I lay down on the couch with a blanket on, she would jump up and cuddle with me. I usually ended up falling asleep with her lying on me, so we ended up calling her "Nap Cat". When she was younger I used to roll up little balls of tin foil and she would chase after them when I threw them. And whenever we had fish or chicken for dinner, or open up a can of tuna, she would sit and meow until she got some. She loved tuna juice. She was quite a character, my old Josers. Even though I realized her days were numbered, I didn't think she would fail so fast. I'm going to miss my smelly old Josers.

WOW!!!

I don't think I can describe the feeling of seeing a child born. I didn't get to see my first child Sarah, being born 10 years ago. I saw her when she was about 20 minutes old. This time I wasn't going to miss out. What a thrill it was! Our new little baby Talia, was healthy and pink and 7lbs 9 oz. What a beautiful little girl. I can't write too much more right now, because I'm starting to get a bit emotional and my thoughts are getting frazzled. But here a few pictures taken by our friend Heather. Enjoy

Guess Who?

Our little lamb, 7lbs 9oz born 3:35pm Wednesday March 24 2010.
Mom and baby girl are doing excellent

Happy Birthday James Taylor

99 Things About Me

1. PICK OUT A SCAR YOU HAVE, AND EXPLAIN HOW YOU GOT IT?
On my forehead. Fell out of our tent camper when I was about two. Hit my head on one of those old metal Coleman coolers.

2.WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
A Sailor Moon print

3.WHAT DOES YOUR PHONE LOOK LIKE?
silver

4.WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Classic Rock, Blues, whatever I like

5.WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT DESKTOP PICTURE?
Stonehenge

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
To be happy and at peace with myself

7.DO YOU BELIEVE IN GAY MARRIAGE?
Sure, why not?

8.WHAT TIME WERE YOU BORN?
9:58 AM

9. ARE YOUR PARENTS STILL TOGETHER?
Yes

10. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
Same stuff as in high school

11. DO YOU GET SCARED OF THE DARK?
Nope

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
Myself, talking about my daughter

13.WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Brown hair, brown eyes

14. DO YOU LIKE PAINKILLERS?
Don't use them

15. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?
Coffee

16. FAVE PIZZA TOPPING?
Double cheese, double pepperoni, Italian sausage and bacon

17. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Double Quarter Pounder with cheese

18. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?
Cara

19. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
Nope

20.WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT SOMEONE GAVE YOU?
Sarah drew a picture for me

21.DO YOU LIKE SOMEONE?
Yes

22.ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Yes

23. FAVORITE FRIEND?
Our little support group, and my pal Barry from High school

24. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM CAR?
2010 Camaro

25. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE AFTER-LIFE?
No

26. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MARRIAGE?
Great

27. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
Sure

28. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
Tell them

29. Say a number from 1-100.
85

30. BLONDE OR BRUNETTE?
Brunette

32. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
Someone not listening to me

33. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE U.K.?
I live in Canada, have visited the UK, and came home. So, yes.

34. YOUR WEAKNESS?
Poor self-confidence, bad temper

35. WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE?
Christmas presents

36. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE HOLIDAY?
England, followed by Florida

37. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
Yes

38. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE THIS?
Nothing

39. IF YOU COULD GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Nothing

40. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
My sense of humour, my coolness

43. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
It wouldn't bother me too much

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Chapters gift cards

45. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes

46. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?
No

48. WHICH FINGER[S] IS YOUR FAVORITE?
The middle one

49. WHAT UNDERWEAR ARE YOU WEARING?
Black boxers

50.DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
It's OK

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE VEGETABLE?
Corn or potatoes

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
Scratching my psoriasis when I'm nervous

53. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF?
Cara would say Rush

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yep

55. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL?
Yes

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
To a point, yes

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER?
Yell

58. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?
Mom and Dad's, certain friends

59. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?
Pretty much

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY WHEN YOU WERE LITTLE?
Had a few cuddly toys when I was small/Hot Wheels,Matchbox cars

61. ARE YOU AFRAID OF GROWING UP?
Some would say yes. I tend to agree

62. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Totally

63. ARE YOU RELIGIOUS?
Lapsed

64. DOES 11:11 MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?
Not really

66. DO YOU GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS?
Yes

67. WHAT IS THE MOST PAIN YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED?
Being cheated on

68. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No

69. LAST THING YOU SPILLED?
Too many to list

70. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?
2 cats 1 dog

71. WHAT IS THE LAST FURRY THING YOU TOUCHED?
the dog

72. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Blue, Green

73. WHAT'S THE LAST BOOK YOU READ?
Currently reading The Testament by John Grisham and Roadshow by Neil Peart

74. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
None

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Sure

76. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM VACATION?
Scotland/Ireland, Spring Training in Florida

77. LAST THING YOU ATE/DRANK?
Delissio Pizza

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Dad

79. WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ON THE SAME SEX?
Nothing

80. DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?
yes

81. FAVOURITE THING TO HATE
Dishes

82. FAVOURITE DRINK?
Pepsi

83. FAVOURITE ZODIAC SIGN?
Libra, of course!

84. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SPORT?
Watching- Baseball


85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOUR?
Brown (although some people think it's black)

86. EYE COLOUR?
Blue

87. TALL OR SMALL?
Medium

88. SIBLINGS?
1 sister

89. FAVOURITE MONTH?
October

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
No way

91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
The old Spiderman animated series

92. FAVOURITE DAY OF THE YEAR?
Christmas

93. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Yes

94. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Neither -- AUTUMN!!!!!!!!!

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Relationship

97. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Don't know

98. WHO IS LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Same answer

99. BIGGEST FEAR(S)?
My parents passing away, my children dying

Today in Music...Birthdays

Chris Rea

Billy Gibbons

If I Were.....

From Barry's Life in Quotations and Melanie's Randomness

If I were a month, I’d be October.
If I were a day of the week, I’d be Thursday.
If I were a time of day, I’d be 8pm.
If I were a planet, I’d be Jupiter.
If I were a sea animal, I’d be a Shark.


If I were a direction, I’d be Northwest.
If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be the couch at the curb on garbage day
If I were a liquid, I’d be Pepsi.
If I were a gemstone, I’d be a Sapphire.
If I were a tree, I’d be an Evergreen


If I were a tool(some people think I am a tool).
If I were a flower, I’d be tigerlilly.
If I were a kind of weather, I’d be a warm day in the fall.
If I were a musical instrument, I’d be a Fender Strat.

If I were a color, I’d be Green.
If I were an emotion, I’d be melancholy.
If I were a fruit, I’d be a pomagranite.
If I were a sound, I’d be a drum solo.
If I were an element, I’d be potassium(I don't get that either)




If I were a car, I’d be a beige 4dr sedan.
If I were a food, I’d be fries and gravy.
If I were a place, I’d be Scotland.
If I were a material, I’d be polyester.
If I were a taste, I’d be sweet.
If I were a scent, I’d be Old Spice.
If I were an object, I’d be a tree.


If I were a body part, I’d be your voice.(I know, not a body part)
If I were a facial expression, I’d be a big smile.
If I were a song, I’d be "Soul City" by the Partland Brothers(Awesome song.)
If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be a pair of comfortable,slightly worn out runners.

Remembering Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens

51 years ago on February 3, 1959. The Day the Music Died. Buddy was offered the Winter Dance Party by the GAC agency, a three-week tour across the Midwest opening on January 23, 1959, with other notable performers such as Dion and the Belmonts, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The tour was a disaster for the musicains, who had to endure long overnight bus rides and freezing temperatures, and a broken heater on the bus. After a performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, Buddy decided to charter a plane to fly to their next destination. The Big Bopper (JP Richardson) pleaded with another artist on the tour, Waylon Jennings, for his seat on the plane because he was suffering from the flu, and Ritchie Valens won a coin toss over Crickets' member Tommy Allsup. The plane flew into a blinding snowstorm and soon thereaftrer, crashed. All three musicians were early pioneers in Rock and Roll and also major influences on rock music as we know it today. Buddy Holly has been described as "the single most influential creative force in early rock and roll." He was one of the first artists to write, produce and perform his own songs. I wish these artists survived their ordeal because I believe they had much more music to give us, and their stay on this Earth was definitely too short.

Someday....

So far, I feel really good with my life. I think, somehow I might have found some semblance of peace within myself. It has been something that has been missing for a whole lot of years. I think it might be a combination of finding a job I'm satisfied with, being secure in my relationship, a new baby on the way, renewing old friendships, and saying goodbye to a horrible decade. I haven't figured everything out yet that I want to. I still have many questions about myself, the way things are, what happens next, as well as questions about my beliefs about faith and religion. I have really tried to work on myself, and to be a better person and to control my anger and feelings. Something which really affected me, was a point made by my partner, the Lovely C. Our 3 year anniversary is tomorrow and she said she loved me more now than she did 3 years ago, mainly for the fact for how much I have been trying to change and grow. I'm still very much on the journey of trying to figure out who I am, but I think I might be one step closer to an answer, maybe someday....

Red Carpet Here I Come.....

Ooohhhhh!!!! I have so many people to thank. First I want to thank G..sorry, not going there. I have have been awarded my first award from my long-time friend Sandy of "Getting fit and Loving It"

So, the rules of the award are

1. List 10 things that make you happy.

2. List 10 bloggers that brighten your day.

Ok, so here goes
10 Things That Make Me Happy

Waking up in the morning
Cara
A phone call from my daughter
Little Man
Being employed
Having a home
Great music
Great books
Loving friends
Blogging Buddies

Now for 10 Bloggers
The thoughts and prose of a Synchronistic Catalyst
Pregnant at 36--Surprise (Both written by my incredible partner, Cara-Mae)
Melanie's Randomness
I Know, Right?
Life In Quotations
Getting Fit and Loving It
They're Canadian, Eh! (shameless plug for my other blog, but it makes me happy)
A Life Apart
Language Is Wine Upon the Lips
Introspective Versification

These are the blogs I check out the most to cheer me up. Hope you enjoy them too!!

Stuff about Me...

I've totally stolen this from my pal Barry's blog "Life in Quotations". Only because I can't think of anything original right now, but I'm sure my mental block will soon pass. So without any further ado, here are 35 Q & A's.

1. Where is your cell phone? Beside my wallet

2. Your hair? Messy, in need of a hair cut.

3. Your mother? A fighter and survivor

4. Your father? Caring (despite what other family members think)

5. Your favorite food? Steak

6. Your dream last night? Can't remember

7. Your favorite drink? Pepsi

8. Your dream/goal? Happiness

9. What room are you in? Living room

10. Your hobby? Collecting autographs

11. Your fear? Being alone

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Retired

13. Where were you last night? In bed

14. Something you aren't? Self-confident

15. Muffins? Yes

16. Wish list item? New car

17. Where did you grow up? Deepest Scarberia (Scarborough, Ontario)

18. Last thing you did? Ate

19. What are you wearing? Work clothes

20. Your TV? 27"

21. Your pets? Cats and Dog

22. Your friends? The best

23. Your life? Great

24. Your mood? Not sure

25. Missing someone? Usually

26. Vehicle? Buick Century

27. Something you're not wearing? Shoes

28. Your favorite store? Chapters

29. Your favorite color? Blue and Green

30. When was the last time you laughed? Last Night

31. Last time you cried? A while ago

32. Your best friend? Cara(my love), Barry and Sandy

33. One place that I go over and over? The bathroom

34. One person who emails me regularly? Barry

35. Favorite place to eat? Out