Half Century…Really?

Posted under Daughters, Family, How I See It, Wife

I know, many of you will look at the photos at the top of the blog and say, “There is no way Mike is turning 50 tomorrow.” and then there are a few of you, (I’m talking to you Matt) who will say, “Oh dear god, he’s not looking too good.”

Either way, being a half century has been a hell of a ride, so far.  I count my blessings every day for what I have.  A beautiful wife who puts up with my ever changing “get rich” plans.  Three gorgeous daughters who light up my life every day, even those days where I am pulling out what’s left of my hair.

Yeah, I’ve had my share of ups and downs.  A divorce, losing my dad way too soon, unemployment, a house with a couple of cats.  Nothing that most of you haven’t had to deal with in your own lives.

I’ve had a great time writing this blog.  It has given me an outlet to express my joy, pain, frustration, elation and my creativity.  I have made some great friends  that I hope to see in person some day.

So, as you enjoy this Memorial Day holiday, first please remember the reason why we celebrate it, those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms.  And second, raise a beer to the guy you’ve shared stories with for the last couple of years and know that he is at that half century mark.

….and still counting. 

      

Mother’s Day, Again…?

Posted under Daughters, Ex's, Family, How I See It, Wife

Actually, this post has been long overlooked by me.  I was doing a quick search for Mothers on my site and did not find a post concerning the day we all need to be celebrating.  As a father who blogs, (not nearly enough!) I have a great appreciation for the other sex and their contributions to raising our children.

I’ve had the opportunity to have several mother’s in my life.  Obviously my own mother, who raised a couple of sons without much training considering she was an only child.  I maybe biased, but she did a pretty good job of getting my brother and I into adulthood. 

I have also married a couple of women (not at the same time, that’d be wrong…) who have been great mothers.  My first wife, with whom I had the great pleasure of raising two beautiful daughters.  And my current wife who with her own daughter has made for an interesting “female heavy” household.   

So, let me join the chorus that all men need to be shouting.  Thank you ladies for being the mother’s that many of us dad’s would be lost without.

Happy Mother’s Day….

 

 

A Day in the Life…

Posted under Daughters, Family, How I See It, Wife, Work

 6:30 -  Awake to the sound of a shower going.  Sounds like a little rainstorm, just inside the house.  The wife is finishing up getting ready for work.  I roll over and blissfully fall back asleep. 

6:45 – The wife gently wakes me with a kiss goodbye and reminds me to have a great day.  Got to love that woman who keeps me grounded.  Got to remember her birthday this year…

7:30 – Begin to roll over in bed and contemplate the day.  Not much excitment planned for the day.  Stumble out of bed, head to the shower, inspect the soon to be 50 year old body for damage and aging.  Soak my head for 10 minutes in the shower to shake the cobwebs.

8:00 – I get dressed in shorts and a t-shirt (this is Southern California) and head out the door with the dog to meet with my Coffee Consortium at the patio of the local shopping center.  We all b.s. about the economy, jobs, money, how it was in the day, kids, grand kids (them) and drink our coffee.

9:00 – Head home with the dog after way too many stops.  This dog needs check out every damn bush!  Head upstairs and turn the computer on.

9:10  – 10:30 – Answer email, check cigar websites, update a Facebook status.  Basically goofing around for about an hour.  Then off to serious work.  The job hunt.  I’ve got about a dozen sites I check on to look for the latest in employment.  So far not much luck.

11:00 – 12:00 – Head to the gym and try to work out my frustration that finding a “friggin” job is so difficult.  Probably good for an additional couple of miles on the treadmill.

1:00 – 4:00 – Spend this time writing articles.  It is amazing what you can write about if you put the effort in.  Who knew I could write about allergies and dust mites? 

5:00 – 10:00 – Family time.  Dinner, time to talk with the wife and girls about their days of work and school.  Eventually one of the girls will ask:  

“What did you do today Dad?” 

 

 

Interesting Speech, Mr. President….

Posted under Daughters, Family, How I See It, Wife

We finally dried out around here and looks like sunshine for the next week.  Great news for me because I get to put on my shorts again.  Not a lot of news around here to speak of. 

Me, still looking for work and writing articles like a mad man. 

The wife, still working hard but enjoying sixth graders, usually. 

The girls are all about school, finals, winter formals and keeping me jumping.

Watched the State of the Union address last night.  Normally not something I would do.  Most President’s use it as a chance to puff up their egos and look good to the American public.  However, the local NPR radio station asked me to watch it and give them feedback, so I did.

I found Obama a bit on the moderate side in his speech.  You don’t normally have a Democrat speak about tax cuts and spending limits.   Kind of reminded me of Bill Clinton years ago.  Parts of his speech seemed to be a bit apologetic to how the first year of his administration went.  I think he knows that he may have burned some bridges on the Republican side and was looking for a way to redeem himself.  That’s not to say he didn’t also have a bit of “fire and brimstone” in his speech about health-care and Iraq.  I am glad that he started his speech talking about jobs.  Being unemployed that was an important topic for me. 

All in all, I’m glad I heard it.  Let’s see how it all plays out in the next few months.

If NPR decides to air my opinions, I share the link with everyone. 

In the meantime, stay dry, stay warm and in the immortal words of our President, “God Bless the United States.”

I Woke Up This Morning…

Posted under Daughters, Family, How I See It

I realized that after nearly 50 years (I said nearly) I’ve accumulated knowledge that has lead me down this very path I am enjoying now.  For example I’ve learned:

*No one has ever asked me what my high school or college GPA was.  Ever. Bastards!  My high school guidance councilor once told me that I’d never amount to a pile of beans unless I earned a good grades.  Crap!!

*My wife is remarkable.  She is truly beautiful.  Her adaptability is amazing.  She’s had the challenge of not only raising a daughter with type 1 diabetes but has had the responsibility to raise two daughters not her own.  I want to become a better person just to make her happier. She can also be a huge fucking challenge.  That said, the good will always outweigh the bad in our relationship. 

*My high school friends remain amongst the closest I have.   But its on me to keep all of my friends.   I need to initiate the communication – or the friendships inevitably fade… 

*Perception is everything.  Aristotle had it right.  The person you are trying to persuade will be more malleable if you understand their needs/desires/motivations and modify your message.

*Laughter cures almost all.  It is such a powerful emotion.

*I change over time.  I love spinach.  I no longer appreciate the spinning cups at Disneyland.

*Giving is always more fun than receiving.

*After spending the last few years in affluent town I’ve realized that people with wealth are not necessarily happier than people without wealth.   Happiness seems to be derived from being appreciative for what you have and the life you live. 

*I am often the most fortunate when I just say “yes.” I occasionally have regrets when I say “no.”

*My father, one of the wisest men I knew, used to tell us that M&Ms, Desitin Antiseptic, and duct tape could be used to fix just about anything.  I’d like to add Craigslist and a Visa card to the mix.